Milan Recycle Day Returns, but Batteries Need Another Drop-Off

Most households have them somewhere: a drawer, bin or bag of old batteries waiting for someone to figure out where they are supposed to go.

As Milan’s Recycle Day returns June 13, organizers have a clear answer on one point: Do not bring household batteries to the event.

The event is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at the Ace Hardware parking lot, 513 W. Main St. It will include paper shredding and electronics recycling, but household batteries will not be accepted.

Josh Kofflin of Moving Milan Forward said organizers confirmed with AccuShred that household batteries cannot be accepted because the company is not licensed to handle household hazardous waste.

The reminder comes as state officials say battery disposal remains confusing for many residents.

A 2025 battery gap analysis commissioned by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, or EGLE, estimated that Michigan residents replace about 12,430 tons of consumer batteries each year. About 10,730 tons enter the disposal stream, while 1,250 tons are recycled and 450 tons are kept at home after use.

The report found 95% of surveyed residents reported at least one barrier to recycling batteries. Common barriers included not knowing where to take them, confusion over which types should be recycled and limited local options.

That confusion can create safety concerns. The report said batteries, especially lithium-ion batteries, can spark fires in collection trucks or recycling facilities when placed in curbside trash or recycling bins.

EGLE’s battery disposal guidance says rechargeable and lithium-ion batteries should not go in curbside recycling or trash. The agency recommends checking local providers and drop-off sites because rules vary by location and battery type.

Washtenaw County’s Household Hazardous Waste Disposal program accepts batteries by appointment. The county lists household hazardous waste as including batteries, paint, household cleaners, automotive fluids and other materials.

Recycle Ann Arbor’s Drop-Off Station is not an option for most household batteries. Its website says the station does not accept alkaline, lithium or other rechargeable batteries, or damaged, bloated or leaking batteries.

Some retailers accept some batteries, but residents should check before going. Home Depot says its Call2Recycle bins accept rechargeable batteries up to 11 pounds and under 300 watt-hours, but not single-use alkaline batteries. Lowe’s also advises residents to check local rules and drop-off options before disposal.

EGLE says many batteries should be taped before transport or recycling, including 9-volt batteries, button batteries, cell phone batteries and lithium cells.

For Milan’s June 13 event, the guidance is simple: Bring paper for shredding and accepted electronics, but find a separate drop-off for household batteries.

Featured image: Loose batteries often end up in drawers, bins or bags while residents figure out where to take them. Photo courtesy of Ashley St. Clair