That drawer of dead phone batteries, the old laptop in the closet and the worn-out power tool packs in the garage are about to become something you cannot simply toss. Starting Dec. 1, 2026, North Carolina bans lithium-ion batteries from landfill disposal, and New Hanover County is asking residents to keep them out of household trash and recycling bins.
For homeowners, this matters most during the moments when stuff piles up: a garage clean-out, a pre-listing declutter, a move or turning over a rental between tenants. Here is what the rule says, why New Hanover County cares so much, and where to drop batteries off locally.
What the New Rule Says
According to the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality, lithium-ion batteries will be banned from landfill disposal beginning Dec. 1, 2026, under G.S. 130A-309.10. DEQ’s guidance answers a few questions homeowners ask most:
- Batteries inside devices count. Devices with a lithium-ion battery still inside should not go in the trash or recycling.
- Do not pry batteries out. DEQ warns against removing embedded batteries from devices.
- Damaged batteries need extra care. Swollen, overheating, leaking or recalled batteries carry higher fire risk and should be kept apart from other materials.
- Vapes are a special case. Disposable vapes contain batteries and liquid, so check how your drop-off site handles them.
- Lead-acid batteries, like car batteries, have been banned from disposal since 1991.
Why New Hanover County Is Paying Attention
WECT reported on Nov. 9, 2026 that county officials hope the new law will reduce fires in garbage trucks and recycling facilities. Joe Suleyman, the county’s director of recycling and solid waste, told WECT that a damaged battery can go into thermal runaway and start a fire, that garbage trucks cost $400,000 to $500,000 each, and that the county is exploring fire suppression systems that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. He said he supports the law but wishes it included enforcement provisions.
The risk is real here. In August, WECT reported that a lithium battery was believed to have sparked a 100-foot-wide fire at the New Hanover County Landfill on U.S. 421. Suleyman said at the time that the landfill typically sees three to four fires a year.
Where to Drop Off Batteries in New Hanover County
The county’s Household Hazardous Waste page lists several free options for county residents (bring ID):
- Permanent HHW facility at 3002 U.S. Highway 421 North, open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon, closed on listed holidays including Thanksgiving Day.
- The HazWagon mobile collection, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Mondays at Ogden Park near the ball fields, Wednesdays at the Wrightsville Beach Municipal Complex, Fridays at Carolina Beach on the north side of Mike Chappell Park, and the first Saturday of the month at Kure Beach Town Hall. Major holidays are excluded.
- Library branches. WECT reports all four New Hanover County Public Library branches accept household batteries, including lithium and rechargeable, in bins inside during regular hours.
- Other satellite sites. The county says it has partnered with UNCW, Cape Fear Community College and the Fort Fisher Aquarium on battery collection points.
The HHW program accepts alkaline, lithium, sealed lead-acid and rechargeable batteries, plus cell phones and electronics. One important exception: it does not accept lithium batteries from electric vehicles. DEQ also offers an online search tool to find nearby drop-off locations.
What This Means for Homeowners, Sellers and Landlords
Decluttering before you list
Pre-listing clean-outs uncover old electronics, cordless tool packs and holiday gadgets. Set up a separate box for batteries and devices and make one trip to the HHW facility or HazWagon instead of filling the roll-off. Our winterizing checklist pairs well with a garage clean-out.
Moving into or out of a home
Moves generate piles of chargers, dead phones and worn-out devices. Planning your drop-off ahead of moving day keeps those items out of the dumpster.
Rental and vacation rental owners
Guests and tenants leave behind vapes, old chargers and dead electronics. Add a line to your turnover checklist and house rules so cleaners know to set batteries aside.
Store batteries safely at home
Following DEQ’s best practices, keep batteries in a cool, dry place away from heat, avoid crushing or puncturing them, and isolate any swollen or damaged battery.
FAQ: Lithium-Ion Battery Ban
When does the ban start?
Dec. 1, 2026, statewide.
Can I put a device with a built-in battery in my recycling cart?
No. DEQ says devices with lithium-ion batteries inside should stay out of both trash and recycling.
Is it free to drop off batteries in New Hanover County?
Yes, for county residents at the HHW facility and HazWagon. Bring ID.
What about golf cart or EV batteries?
The county HHW program does not accept lithium batteries from electric vehicles, so check with the dealer or a specialized recycler.
Getting Your Home Ready for the Market?
Small details like a clean garage and a clutter-free move make a big difference when you buy or sell. If you are planning a move in or around Wilmington, connect with Aspyre Collective for a local plan that covers the to-do list from prep to closing.
