Redwood Materials, together with Nevada Tech Hub, has expanded access for consumer lithium battery recycling in Nevada with several smart receptacles now available. Residents can drop off devices containing lithium batteries at libraries, hardware stores and other locations across the state.
“Everyone has old, rechargeable devices that contain valuable and recoverable minerals,” Brian Beffort, sustainability manager for Washoe County, Nevada, said. “By providing convenient locations for battery collection, we’re helping residents participate in Nevada’s growing circular economy while keeping valuable materials out of the landfills and reducing the risk of fire these batteries can present when not disposed of properly.”
According to Redwood Materials, consumer electronics are one of the largest untapped sources of critical materials, including lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper – yet only 16 percent of these electronics are currently recycled in the U.S. Critical materials are defined by the U.S. Department of Energy as non-fuel materials that are essential for energy technology, like batteries and solar panels, but have vulnerable supply chains. Nevada Tech Hub, funded by the Economic Development Administration, is working to support a domestic supply of these critical materials here in Nevada and supported the Redwood Materials initiative with a $450,000 award.
Nevada residents are encouraged to recycle everyday household items containing rechargeable lithium batteries, including old cell phones and tablets, power tools, toothbrushes, headphones, RC cars, wireless keyboards, Bluetooth speakers and any other item that has a rechargeable battery. The lithium, cobalt and other metals in these batteries are valuable and recoverable, and by recycling, residents are contributing to the circular battery economy in northern Nevada while reducing the risk of fire if devices are disposed of improperly.
Additionally, Redwood Materials offers traditional recycling dropoff locations at several locations across Nevada and the country. For more information and a map of recycling bin locations, visit redwoodmaterials.com/recycle-with-us.
“The growing use of lithium-ion batteries has created an urgent need for safe and accessible recycling options in our communities,” Tricia Dutcher, external affairs program manager at Redwood Materials, said. “This project is a great example of what can be accomplished through collaboration, and we appreciate the partnership of Nevada Tech Hub and the other local businesses that are helping bring these bins to residents.”
Published September 2026
