Lithium primary batteries are non-rechargeable lithium metal cells, from CR2032 coin cells to CR123A cylinders and high-capacity lithium thionyl chloride cells in utility meters and sensors. They are not lithium-ion, they have their own UN numbers, and they can still be hazardous after they appear dead. This page covers identification, taping, shipping and recycling.
How do you identify lithium primary batteries?
Look at the marking on the cell. Coin cells labeled CR (such as CR2032 or CR2025) are lithium manganese dioxide, CR123A and similar cylinders are also lithium manganese dioxide, and cells marked ER or LS in industrial sizes are often lithium thionyl chloride. Some AA and AAA cells marketed as lithium are lithium iron disulfide. All of these are non-rechargeable lithium metal batteries, and many are labeled with voltage such as 3 volts.
These cells are found in key fobs, watches, thermostats, smoke alarms, cameras, medical devices, smart meters, tank sensors, data loggers and remote telemetry. Lithium thionyl chloride cells have very high energy density and long shelf life and are used in industrial instrumentation, gas and water meters and oil-field equipment. Do not confuse them with rechargeable lithium-ion cells, such as 18650s, because transport and recycling streams differ. Printed ratings can be optimistic on imported products, so treat them as a starting point and not as proof of safety.
- CR and DL prefixes: lithium manganese dioxide
- ER or LS prefixes: often lithium thionyl chloride
- Voltage around 3 volts for most coin cells and CR123A cells
What hazards do lithium primary batteries present?
Lithium metal cells contain reactive lithium that can ignite when short-circuited, crushed or exposed to moisture. Because they are not rechargeable, the risk comes from physical contact, damage and heat. A discharged-looking coin cell often still holds enough charge to produce heat when it touches another cell or a piece of metal. In bulk bins, loose cells can short against each other and start a fire. Do not charge, test or open any battery you suspect is damaged, because those steps can trigger the very failure you are worried about.
Lithium thionyl chloride cells add chemical hazards: the electrolyte is toxic and corrosive, and damaged cells can release harmful gases. They can also show a passivation layer that makes them look inactive until a load is applied, so a cell that seems dead may still be hazardous. Coin cells present an ingestion hazard to children and pets, and swallowed cells can cause severe injury in hours; keep them out of reach and seek emergency care if swallowed.
How should you prepare lithium primary batteries for recycling?
Tape both faces of every coin cell and the terminals of every larger cell with non-conductive tape, or place each in its own small bag. Taping matters especially for coin cells because their flat faces make contact easy. Do not mix cells loose in a bag or jar. Keep them in a rigid container with dividers, away from metal objects, loose change and rechargeable batteries. Store prepared batteries away from exits and heat sources, and out of reach of anyone who is not trained to handle them.
Sort by size and chemistry when practical, and keep rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in a separate container. For lithium thionyl chloride cells from industrial equipment, keep them in original packaging if you have it, record the manufacturer and size, and do not attempt to discharge them. If a cell is bulging, leaking, hot or corroded, isolate it in a sealed non-combustible container and tell us so it can be packaged as damaged.
- Tape or bag every cell individually
- Do not mix with rechargeable batteries
- Isolate leaking or corroded cells and wear gloves
How are lithium primary batteries classified and shipped?
Lithium metal batteries shipped alone are UN3090, and those packed with or contained in equipment are UN3091, both Class 9 under 49 CFR 173.185. Small cells and batteries within the lithium content limits, such as most coin cells, can use reduced requirements when properly packaged, but recycling shipments are best treated carefully. Larger lithium thionyl chloride cells often exceed those limits and need full dangerous goods packaging, marking and shipping papers.
Ground shipping is the usual route. Air transport of lithium metal batteries has its own restrictions, including limits on passenger aircraft and cargo-only requirements for many batteries. Damaged, defective or recalled cells fall under 49 CFR 173.185(f) and need special packaging, and damaged batteries are not allowed by air. We confirm the correct description for the cells you have before pickup or prepaid shipping. The packaging has to be authorized for the battery in question, and tape and a cardboard box are rarely enough.
How do facilities manage lithium primary batteries as universal waste?
Spent lithium primary batteries can be managed as universal waste under 40 CFR Part 273, in line with EPA’s May 2023 memo on lithium battery waste. Because they may exhibit hazardous characteristics such as ignitability or reactivity, put them in closed, labeled containers, protect them from release and observe the one-year accumulation limit. A facility maintenance team that changes sensors and meters regularly will accumulate them steadily. Universal waste is a streamlined pathway, but it does not remove the duty to prevent releases and to respond if something goes wrong.
Utilities, oil and gas operators, security integrators, building maintenance and retail all generate lithium primary waste. A simple collection point with taped cells and a lid works well. Do not put coin cells in office trash or regular recycling. State rules vary and some add collection programs or storage rules, so check the state page for your site, and let us know the volume so we can propose pickup or shipping options.
What is recovered from lithium primary cells, and what affects cost?
Lithium primary recycling recovers steel, nickel, manganese and, depending on the process, lithium compounds, while organic electrolytes and plastics are managed separately. Compared with lithium-ion, these cells have no cobalt-rich cathode and therefore lower recoverable metal value. Lithium thionyl chloride cells require specialized handling because of their toxic electrolyte. Recycling is typically done in dedicated processes, not through the black mass routes designed for lithium-ion. Small shipments can still be worthwhile, but they carry more fixed cost per battery than a full pallet or truckload.
Primary lithium cells are low in value and often need hazardous handling, so recycling typically represents a cost. Small coin cells shipped in bulk are cheaper per pound than a few large thionyl chloride cells. Mixed loads with lithium-ion add sorting cost. Share counts, sizes and chemistries and we will quote options for pickup or prepaid shipping. If your batteries have ongoing volume, a recurring arrangement can be easier to plan than a series of one-off pickups.
Industries that generate lithium primary batteries
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Are coin cells hazardous after they stop working?
They can be. A cell that no longer powers a device may still hold charge, so tape the faces before storing or recycling.
Can I recycle CR2032 batteries with other batteries?
Keep them separate from rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and tape every cell. Tell us what you have and we will advise on grouping.
What are lithium thionyl chloride batteries used for?
Meters, sensors, data loggers and remote instruments that need long life. They are lithium metal batteries, shipped as UN3090 or UN3091, and need careful handling.
What should I do if a child swallows a coin cell?
Seek emergency medical care immediately and call poison control. Do not wait for symptoms.
Do lithium primary batteries have the same UN numbers as lithium-ion?
No. Lithium metal is UN3090 and UN3091. Lithium-ion is UN3480 and UN3481. Both are Class 9.