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How to Dispose of or Recycle Power Tools


Power tools such as drills, saws, sanders, grinders, nail guns, impact drivers, and hedge trimmers contain metals, plastics, motors, wiring, circuit boards, and sometimes rechargeable batteries. Proper disposal helps recover valuable materials and reduces the risk of fires and other hazards associated with improperly discarded batteries and electrical equipment.


1. Donate, Repair, or Sell Working Tools

If the tool still works safely, reuse it before recycling it.

  • Donate: Consider tool libraries, vocational schools, community workshops, Habitat for Humanity ReStores, charities, or other organizations that accept working tools.

  • Sell or Give Away: Working tools can be sold or given away through local marketplaces and community reuse programs.

  • Repair: A tool may only need a replacement battery, charger, switch, blade, or other component. Repairing it can extend its useful life.

  • Refurbishment: Some manufacturers and retailers offer repair or refurbishment programs for eligible tools.


Do not donate or resell a tool with exposed wiring, a damaged battery, a severely damaged power cord, or another condition that could make it unsafe to use.


2. Manufacturer Take-Back and Retail Programs

Some manufacturers and retailers offer recycling, trade-in, repair, or take-back programs for power tools and batteries.

Check the manufacturer's current program before disposal. Options can vary by brand, product, and location.


Some retailers also collect rechargeable batteries. For example, The Home Depot currently lists undamaged rechargeable batteries used in power tools, including lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, nickel-zinc, and certain sealed lead-acid batteries, among the batteries accepted through its rechargeable battery recycling program at participating locations.

Lowe's also states that certain stores accept rechargeable batteries through their recycling centers.


3. Battery Disposal

🔋 The battery is often the most important part of a power tool to handle correctly.

Many cordless tools use lithium-ion (Li-ion), nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd), or nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries. EPA recommends keeping rechargeable batteries out of household trash and curbside recycling and taking them to appropriate battery-recycling or household hazardous waste collection programs.


If the battery is removable:

  • Remove it only if the tool and battery are designed for safe removal.

  • Do not force, puncture, crush, or dismantle the battery pack.

  • For lithium-ion batteries, place non-conductive tape over the terminals or place each battery in a separate plastic bag before transporting it to a recycling location.

  • Take the battery to a participating battery recycler, retailer, or household hazardous waste collection site.

  • Call2Recycle accepts rechargeable batteries including lithium-ion, Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, and Ni-Zn batteries up to 11 pounds in its U.S. program.


If the battery is built into the tool:

Do not dismantle the tool just to remove the battery. EPA notes that some batteries are not designed to be removed by the consumer. In that situation, take the complete tool to a certified electronics recycler, participating take-back program, or local household hazardous waste program that accepts it.


4. Damaged or Swollen Batteries

⚠️ Use extra caution with damaged batteries.

Do not place a battery in the trash or recycling bin if it is:

  • Swollen or bulging

  • Leaking

  • Punctured or cracked

  • Burned or severely damaged

  • Overheating

  • Producing


Do not attempt to repair, open, crush, or puncture a damaged lithium-ion battery. Contact the manufacturer, local household hazardous waste program, or a battery recycling facility for specific instructions. EPA recommends contacting the manufacturer when a lithium-ion battery becomes damaged.


5. Recycling the Power Tool

Once the battery has been handled appropriately, the tool itself may be recyclable through several channels:

  • E-Waste Recycling: Some electronics recyclers accept power tools and can recover motors, circuit boards, wiring, plastics, and metals.

  • Small-Appliance Recycling: Some local programs accept electric power tools along with other small electrical equipment.

  • Scrap Metal Recycling: Some scrap-metal facilities accept power tools for recovery of steel, aluminum, copper, and other metals. Call ahead because acceptance policies vary.

  • Manufacturer Recycling: Some manufacturers accept their own tools or equipment through take-back programs.

Do not assume a scrap-metal yard or e-waste facility accepts power tools. Check before transporting the equipment.


6. Chargers, Cords, and Accessories

Don't forget the equipment that comes with the tool.

  • Battery chargers contain electronic components and should be handled through an appropriate e-waste or electronics recycling program when available.

  • Power cords and cables contain copper and other recyclable materials, but they should not automatically be placed in curbside recycling.

  • Blades, drill bits, sanding discs, and other attachments may have separate recycling or disposal options depending on their material and condition.

  • Keep usable accessories with a working tool when donating or selling it.


7. Do Not Put Power Tools in the Curbside Recycling Bin

🚫 Do not place power tools or rechargeable batteries in your regular curbside recycling bin unless your local program specifically accepts them.

Power tools contain mixed materials that ordinary recycling facilities may not be equipped to process. Lithium-ion batteries can also be damaged or crushed during collection and sorting, creating a serious fire hazard.


8. Commercial and Industrial Power Tools

Large commercial or industrial tools may require different handling from household equipment.

If a tool was used in a workplace or with chemicals, hazardous materials, contaminated dust, asbestos, lead, or other regulated substances, do not automatically treat it as ordinary e-waste. Contact your organization's environmental or waste-management department or a qualified waste contractor for guidance.


Important Reminder

The safest disposal method depends on the tool, battery type, condition, and local recycling rules. Before disposing of a power tool, check the manufacturer's instructions and contact your local waste authority or recycling facility to confirm what it accepts.

Never put lithium-ion or other rechargeable power-tool batteries in household trash or curbside recycling. Keep batteries away from heat, water, crushing, and metal objects while preparing them for recycling.


⚠️ Safety Disclaimer: Connecting The Dots Project provides this information for general educational purposes. Disposal requirements vary by location, equipment type, and the materials involved. Do not dismantle electrical fixtures, battery-powered devices, or other electrical equipment unless you are qualified to do so safely. Follow manufacturer instructions, local regulations, and the requirements of the receiving recycling or hazardous-waste facility.



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