Drone Recycling FAQ
Everything you need to know about recycling drones, disposing of batteries, our process, and enterprise programs. Can't find your answer? Contact us and we will help.
General Questions
What is drone recycling?+
Drone recycling is the process of dismantling end-of-life drones, sorting their components by material type, and routing each material to certified recycling or refurbishment streams. Batteries go to lithium recovery facilities, metals are smelted, plastics are sorted by polymer type, and working electronics are refurbished for resale.
Which drone brands do you accept?+
We accept all brands: DJI, Parrot, Skydio, Autel Robotics, Yuneec, Holy Stone, Hubsan, BetaFPV, iFlight, and any other manufacturer. We also process custom-built FPV drones, agricultural drones, and industrial inspection drones regardless of origin.
Do you accept broken or crashed drones?+
Yes. We recycle drones in any condition — crashed, water-damaged, non-functional, or missing parts. Broken drones still contain valuable recoverable materials including metals, circuit board components, and battery cells.
How much does drone recycling cost?+
Individual consumer drone recycling is free for most models. We cover processing costs through material recovery and component refurbishment revenue. For bulk fleet recycling, we provide custom quotes based on volume. In many cases, drones with working cameras, gimbals, or other high-value parts qualify for a payout.
Battery Disposal
How do I safely ship drone batteries?+
Remove the battery from the drone if possible. Place it in a fireproof LiPo-safe bag. Tape exposed terminals with electrical tape to prevent short circuits. Ship batteries separately in the same package as the drone. Our prepaid shipping labels comply with DOT and IATA lithium battery shipping regulations.
What should I do with a swollen drone battery?+
Do not puncture, crush, charge, or fly with a swollen battery. Place it in a fireproof LiPo bag or metal container and store it away from flammable materials. Contact REFPV for safe pickup or disposal guidance. Do not attempt to discharge it yourself.
Can I recycle just the batteries without the drone?+
Yes. We accept standalone drone batteries of all types — LiPo, Li-ion, LiHV, and NiMH. You can ship batteries separately using our prepaid labels. Retail drop-off locations like Best Buy and Batteries Plus also accept lithium batteries.
Is it legal to throw drone batteries in the trash?+
In most US states, no. Over 25 states have laws requiring lithium battery recycling, and federal RCRA regulations classify lithium batteries as universal waste. Fines for improper disposal can be significant, especially for businesses. Recycling is both legally required and environmentally responsible.
Recycling Process
How does the recycling process work?+
You request a quote, ship or schedule pickup, and we handle the rest. At our facility, drones go through intake inspection, optional data destruction, disassembly, component sorting, and routing to certified recycling partners. Metals go to smelters, batteries to lithium recovery, plastics to polymer recyclers, and working electronics are refurbished.
How long does the recycling process take?+
From receipt to completion, processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days for individual drones. Bulk fleet orders may take 2 to 4 weeks depending on volume. You receive email updates at intake and upon completion.
Do I get a recycling certificate?+
Yes. Every recycling order receives a digital recycling certificate upon completion. The certificate details what was processed, how materials were routed, and confirms responsible disposal. Enterprise clients receive aggregated reports suitable for sustainability disclosures and regulatory compliance.
Do you offer data destruction?+
Yes. Drones store flight logs, GPS coordinates, photos, and video. We offer certified data destruction that covers all onboard storage — SD cards, internal memory, and flight controller logs. You receive a data destruction certificate alongside your recycling certificate.
Enterprise & Bulk Recycling
Do you offer bulk or fleet recycling?+
Yes. We provide full-service fleet recycling for enterprises, government agencies, and large organizations. Services include on-site pickup, inventory and asset tracking, chain-of-custody documentation, aggregated compliance reporting, and volume-based pricing. Contact us for a custom fleet recycling quote.
Can you help with regulatory compliance?+
Yes. Our recycling certificates and chain-of-custody documentation satisfy EPA, state environmental agency, and corporate sustainability reporting requirements. We maintain R2 and e-Stewards aligned processes and can provide custom documentation for audits.
Do you serve international customers?+
Yes. While our primary processing facilities are in the United States, we serve customers worldwide. International shipping may have additional requirements for lithium battery transport. Contact us to discuss logistics for your region.
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