How to Store Batteries Conveniently and Dispose of Them Correctly

There are a few reasons to know how to store batteries correctly, and in an easy place to get to, including the fact that they're often the most challenging item to find at the very moment we need them most. The ones we throw in the junk drawer are likely dead, leading us to pull batteries out of the TV remote or anything else we can think of, if only temporarily. This game of musical chairs with batteries instead of people and electronics in place of seats only leads to everyone in the house being frustrated when their things won't power on.

Fortunately, there's a simple method for how to store batteries. There are easy ways to efficiently contain the working batteries while tossing the used or dead ones. We've rounded up the best ideas for how to store batteries so you can quickly put a plan into action for your home.

Jason Donnelly

How to Store Batteries in the Best Location

Before you start organizing, you need to know a few safety tips about where and how to store batteries in the right place for longevity and safety.

Energizer says batteries are best stored in "a cool, dry place at normal room temperature." That means avoiding any areas of the house that are remotely damp, hot, and humid. Despite the rumor that batteries can last longer if stored in the refrigerator, Energizer says that's unnecessary.

It's also a good idea to keep them up and away from any children or pets in the home, especially tiny batteries that can easily fit in their mouths. If you plan to implement any of the following ideas, consider that when determining placement.

How to Store Batteries in an Organizer

The safest and most effective way to store batteries is to use an organizer explicitly made for them. As the home organization trend increases, more and more of these types of containers are popping up on the shelves.

Some organizers are larger and even include a battery tester, which can be helpful if you have a lot of batteries. If you don't own a lot of batteries, consider opting for a smaller (and usually more aesthetic) option. Most battery organizers come with labeled compartments so you know exactly where to place your AA, AAA, D, and 9-volt batteries.

Individual slots for each battery keep them more protected as they can't rub against each other. Panasonic states, "If loose batteries contact each other, or if the terminals come into contact with other metal objects, this could cause short-circuit." This is why throwing individual batteries into a plastic bag or lining them up neatly in a junk drawer isn't the best idea. The less chance they have of touching, the better.

Other than for safety reasons, using a battery-specific organizer can also prevent a trail of them throughout the house. By dedicating a specific spot, whether in the kitchen, living room, or linen closet (so long as it's not within a bathroom with high humidity) as the place where the battery organizer lives, you can prevent them from cluttering up every corner, crevice, or couch cushion. Knowing when to replace them is also a cinch because you can see empty slots.

Consider Keeping Them in Their Packaging

If you're itching to have every area of your home look like professional organizers had their hands in it, you may be tempted to jump on the decanting trend (where you take everything out of its original packaging and put it into a different container). The idea is that it should be easier to reach for when needed and usually looks neater than the original packaging.

However, storing batteries close together without a barrier could pose a safety issue. So, it's best to skip this trend regarding batteries unless you use a battery organizer that gives them room to breathe. Otherwise, experts recommend leaving them in their original packaging. Another way to incorporate a professional organizing effect for your batteries is to line up the individual packages using dividers in a drawer.

How to Safely Dispose of Batteries

Once batteries—rechargeable or not—have reached the end of their life, it's important to recycle them properly. It's not always easy to know how or where to do it, as it can vary from town to town. According to Energizer, "Regulations may vary in your municipality or state, so please check your local regulations." The battery-producing company also recommends visiting Earth911 or Call2Recycle® to get more information on where, when, and how to dispose of batteries.

Storage Tips for Other Household Products