Drone Battery Recycling & Disposal
Drone batteries are hazardous waste that cannot go in regular trash. REFPV provides certified, safe disposal for every type of drone battery — from a single swollen LiPo pack to thousands of retired fleet batteries.
Why Drone Battery Recycling Matters
Lithium-polymer batteries are the most common power source in modern drones, and they present unique recycling challenges. When disposed of improperly, LiPo batteries can ignite spontaneously, release toxic gases, and contaminate soil and groundwater with heavy metals including cobalt, lithium, and manganese.
In the United States alone, lithium battery fires cause hundreds of waste facility incidents each year. Many of these fires are traced back to batteries thrown in household trash or mixed into standard e-waste recycling streams that lack the proper handling protocols.
REFPV eliminates this risk. Every battery we receive is handled by trained hazmat technicians, stored in fireproof containment, and processed at facilities specifically designed for lithium battery recycling. Our partners recover critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel at rates exceeding 95%, returning these scarce materials to the supply chain.
Battery Types We Process
Lithium-Polymer (LiPo)
The standard in consumer and racing drones. 1S through 12S packs, any capacity. Includes DJI Intelligent Flight Batteries, custom FPV packs, and all third-party LiPo batteries.
Lithium-Ion (Li-ion)
Used in many commercial and enterprise drones. 18650, 21700, and custom pack configurations. Includes batteries from Skydio, DJI enterprise platforms, and industrial UAS.
LiFePO4
Lithium iron phosphate batteries used in some agricultural and heavy-lift drones. Safer chemistry but still requires proper recycling to recover iron, phosphate, and lithium.
NiMH & NiCd
Found in older drones and some toy-grade quadcopters. Nickel-metal hydride and nickel-cadmium batteries contain toxic heavy metals that must be professionally recycled.
Swollen & Damaged Batteries
Puffy, swollen, dented, or punctured batteries require special handling. We provide fireproof shipping containers and expedited processing for compromised battery packs.
High-Voltage & Industrial Packs
Large-format batteries from commercial inspection drones, tethered platforms, and drone-in-a-box systems. Custom logistics for oversize and high-energy-density packs.
Our Safety-First Process
Safe Packaging
We send you compliant shipping materials with hazmat labels and documentation. Batteries are individually bagged and insulated to prevent short circuits during transport.
Hazmat Transport
Batteries ship via DOT-compliant hazardous material carriers. All shipments carry proper UN3481/UN3091 labels and safety data sheets.
Discharge & Stabilization
At our facility, batteries are safely discharged to storage voltage, tested for integrity, and sorted by chemistry for optimal recycling pathway selection.
Material Recovery
Batteries enter hydrometallurgical processing where lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, and aluminum are extracted and purified for reuse in new battery manufacturing.
Drone Battery Recycling FAQ
Can I throw drone batteries in the regular trash?+
What types of drone batteries do you accept?+
How should I prepare drone batteries for shipping?+
What happens to the lithium and cobalt in recycled batteries?+
Is there a charge for drone battery recycling?+
Find Drone Recycling Near You
REFPV offers drone battery recycling and disposal services across the United States. Find a location near you.
Dispose of Drone Batteries Safely
Don't risk a fire or fine. Send us your old, swollen, or retired drone batteries for certified processing.
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