The Illinois Portable and Medium-format Battery Stewardship Act effective earlier this year requires Illinois battery retailers to participate in stewarding safe battery disposal. It is spearheaded by the Battery Network in collaboration with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, expanding battery recycling efforts across Illinois, and aiming to make them more convenient and safe for residents.
According to a report from the National Waste & Recycling Association, more than 5,000 fires are estimated to occur annually in recycling facilities nationwide due to improper battery disposal. Now, the Ecology Action Center [EAC] in McLean County is reminding people of the free battery recycling program.
The Battery Network provides battery recycling for both residential and commercial reasons. Those who are looking to dispose of batteries safely are encouraged to bring them to a collection site. Commercial recycling organizations with large amounts should contact the Regional State Stewardship Manager at 678-325-5729.
Accepted batteries types through the program:
• Single use [alkaline] and rechargeable batteries found in everyday devices such as remotes,
toys, flashlights, cordless power tools, portable chargers and drones.
• Medium-format batteries [up to 25 pounds or 2,000 watt-hours] commonly used in electric or
cordless lawn mowers, snowblowers, e-bikes and e-scooters.
• Lithium batteries that are swollen, leaking, cracked, crushed, overheated, corroded or
otherwise unsafe for normal use.
To dispose of batteries safely, the Battery Network encourages people to:
Collect. Recycle batteries every six months and keep them in a cool, dry place.
Protect. Ensure you’ve taped battery terminals or bagged before you drop.
Drop. Find a nearby collection site and recycle responsibly.
In McLean County, collection sites can be found on RecycleBN.org.
The Battery Network has existed for more than 30 years and was formerly known as Call2Recycle. In 2025, the Battery Network added roughly 3,000 new locations and expanded collection to nearly all battery types.
In addition to the Battery Network, the EAC has supported several other programs in the past. This includes PaintCare that accepts paint, stain and varnish for free through collection sites similar to the Battery Network’s, and pop-up hazardous waste collection events.
Both of these come after the EAC had to adjust its numbers after misreporting the McLean County recycling rate at 51%. It was then adjusted to a more accurate report of 41%. This means across the last five years, the overall recycling rate has fallen within McLean. Afterwards, the EAC told WGLT the agency would look to explore new avenues to increase the rate once more.
