Learn why you should recycle
We all have a role to play in contributing to waste prevention by trying to extend battery lifespan with proper use and maintenance. When possible, find ways to reuse or repurpose batteries before recycling. Dispose of them in appropriate recycling bins at licensed recycling points to ensure proper treatment and recycling.
Batteries contain heavy metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, and nickel, which can leach into soil and groundwater if disposed of in landfills. These toxins can contaminate drinking water sources, harm wildlife, and disrupt ecosystems. Recycling prevents these hazardous materials from entering the environment, safeguards public health, and preserves natural habitats.
The EU Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 requires all batteries to have the symbol below indicating that batteries must not be disposed of in general household waste bins. When disposing of old batteries, please handle them carefully as damaged batteries can be dangerous. Take extra precautions with lithium batteries, as they can pose a fire risk. Please follow the appropriate instructions outlined by our recycling partners to ensure safety.
Recycling batteries is a crucial step towards a sustainable future, ensuring that these potential pollutants are handled responsibly and valuable resources are recovered.
Google and its partners are committed to supporting the global effort to reduce waste and drive a more sustainable future. We count on you to increase the reuse, repair, and recycling of batteries to meet the EU environmental and sustainability goals.
Learn about Google's waste management
Google is committed to the correct disposal of broken or unwanted electronic products. We can help you responsibly recycle your Google products, as well as those from other electronics brands, at no charge.
How Google’s waste management program for electronics works- The Google Store works with a third-party recycling partner who only accepts used electronic devices that match a device that Google manufactures. You can return up to 3 old devices at no charge.
- When you use this program, you tell the Google Store that you are the lawful owner of the old devices and have the right to recycle them.
- Before you send any devices to our third-party recycling partner, make sure that you:
- Save or transfer data of any kind.
- Delete all data from the hard drive or any other storage media.
- Remove any storage media and SIM cards.
- Remove any accessories, such as covers or screen protectors that you want to keep.
- Once our third-party recycling partner receives your old devices, they become the property of the recycling partner. You won't be able to get them back if you change your mind after the recycling partner has received them.
Selective treatment by reuse & recycling facilities
In accordance with Annex VII in the EU WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU, Google has identified the substances, mixtures, and components that have to be removed from separately collected WEEE associated with Google branded consumer hardware devices. Reuse and recycling facilities shall ensure that these identified substances, mixtures, and components are disposed of or recovered in compliance with Directive 2008/98/EC. Reuse/recycling facilities can request information about the identified substances, mixtures, and components requiring removal by sending an email to [email protected].
Recycling batteries is simple and convenient, with various options available for responsible disposal.
- Google is a member of various battery recycling schemes. Please refer to the collection points by country table below for more info about disposing of your old batteries for recycling.
- Other public drop-off points:
- Retail stores: Many electronics stores, hardware stores, and supermarkets have battery collection bins or drop-off points.
- Community recycling centers: Local government or waste management authorities often operate recycling centers where you can drop off your used batteries.
Learn how Google customers can recycle batteries
Refer to the link below to go to our recycling partner's website. You can learn more about battery recycling and identify a battery collection point near you that’ll accept your used portable batteries at no charge. Please do not return your used batteries to us by post.
Check by region
From the drop-down menu, select an option to check relevant information for your country or region.
Country | Recycling partner | Collection points |
---|---|---|
Austria | Interseroh | BAT_Uebernahmestellen_2022_04_11.pdf |