Recycling of li ion batteries: Your battery should be immediately recycled when it fails as there is a risk to storing it for long periods of time. The batteries should not be discarded into the garbage as chemicals can break down and leach into the waste water streams produced at the landfill. The only way to recycle lithium batteries is to drop off or ship the battery to a certified recycling center where they separate and recover the metals and plastics for re-entry into the economy.
The EPA recommends a few handling precautions of end of life lithium batteries to get them ready for recycling. Place each battery or device containing a battery in a separate plastic bag. Place non-conductive tape such as electrical tape over the battery terminals. If the battery is damaged, contact the battery or device manufacturer for specific handling instructions.