National Battery Day: History, Safety Tips & How to Celebrate
- by Joe Weber - updated on 2/16/2026
Key Takeaways
- National Battery Day is Wednesday, February 18th, commemorating the birthday of Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the first battery.
- Safety First: It is the ideal day to test smoke detector batteries and carbon monoxide detector units to ensure your home is safe.
- Car Battery Health: Cold weather impacts performance; use this day as a reminder to check your car battery voltage or get a free battery test.
- Recycle Responsibly: Never throw batteries in the trash. Learn how to recycle batteries properly to support a sustainable circular economy.
- Device Maintenance: Check the health of your cell phone battery, watch battery, and key fob to avoid unexpected power failures.
Wednesday, February 18th is National Battery Day . While it might not be a bank holiday, it is a significant date for technology lovers and safety-conscious homeowners alike. Batteries power everything from the cars we drive to the phones in our pockets, yet we often take them for granted until they run out of juice.
At Batteries Plus, we live and breathe battery power every day. With access to over 25,000 different batteries—including our exclusive premium alkaline batteries and heavy-duty solutions for industrial applications—we are here to help you celebrate by keeping your life powered up. And who knows, maybe you'll even see someone in a battery costume at one of our stores.
Here is your complete guide to the history of the battery and the best ways to observe National Battery Day 2026.
What is National Battery Day?
National Battery Day celebrates the incredible evolution of battery technology and its impact on the modern world. The date, February 18th, was chosen to honor the birthday of Alessandro Volta , the Italian physicist and chemist who invented the first true battery in 1800.
Volta's invention, known as the "voltaic pile," consisted of alternating zinc and copper discs separated by cloth soaked in a solution of saltwater. This groundbreaking discovery proved that electricity could be generated chemically, debunking previous theories and paving the way for the mobile, wireless world we live in today. Without Alessandro Volta, we wouldn't have the lithium-ion batteries that power our electric vehicles (EVs) or the smartphones we rely on daily.
How to Celebrate National Battery Day
The best way to celebrate is by taking action. Use this day as an annual reminder to perform a battery check on all your essential devices. Here is a checklist to ensure you are powered up and safe:
1. Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Your family's safety depends on these devices. Experts recommend testing smoke detector batteries and carbon monoxide detectors at least every six months.
- Identify the Type: Most units use 9-volt batteries, but some newer models require AA or AAA alkaline batteries.
- Check Expiration Dates: Smoke detectors typically last 10 years, while carbon monoxide detectors last about 7 years. If the unit is expired, a simple battery change won't fix it—you need a full replacement.
- Sealed Units: If you have a detector with a sealed 10-year battery, verify the manufacture date on the back.
2. Perform Car Battery Maintenance
Winter can be brutal on auto batteries. If you frequently drive short distances, your alternator may not have enough time to recharge the battery fully.
- Drive More: Take a 30-minute drive at highway speeds to help top off your charge.
- Use a Maintainer: If you park your vehicle for extended periods, connect it to a battery maintainer or trickle charger to prevent it from dying.
- Get Tested: Not sure about your battery's health? Visit your local Batteries Plus for a free car battery test. We can tell you the exact voltage and Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) remaining.
Learn more about car battery maintenance
3. Inspect Emergency Kits
An emergency power outage is the worst time to discover your flashlight batteries are corroded.
- Stockpile Essentials: Keep a fresh supply of alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, and D cells) in a cool, dry place.
- Check Power Banks: Ensure your portable power banks are fully charged so you can keep everyone's cell phones running during a storm.
- UPS Units: If you work from home, check the lead-acid battery in your Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) to protect your computer from surges and outages.
Stock up on emergency supplies now!
4. Optimize Cell Phone Battery Life
Is your phone sluggish? A cell phone battery typically lasts 2-3 years before it starts degrading.
- Check Health: Go into your phone's settings to view "Battery Health." If the maximum capacity is below 80%, it may be time for a replacement.
- Repair, Don't Replace: You often don't need a new phone, just a new battery. Batteries Plus offers professional cell phone repair and battery replacement services.
Schedule your FREE Diagnostic Appointment now!
5. Replace Watch and Key Fob Batteries
There is nothing more frustrating than a watch that stops or a car remote that won't unlock the door.
- Lifespan: Watch batteries generally last 2 years, while key fob batteries last 3-4 years.
- Proximity Remotes: If you have a "push-to-start" vehicle, your fob is constantly transmitting, which drains the battery faster. Consider our lifetime battery replacement offers for peace of mind.
Shop for watch battery replacement services now! Shop for key fob services now!
The Importance of Battery Recycling
As we celebrate battery usage, we must also prioritize battery disposal. Batteries contain chemicals and heavy metals—like lead, cadmium, and lithium—that can harm the environment if dumped in a landfill.
Do not throw batteries in the trash.
Instead, support the circular economy by recycling. Batteries Plus is a leader in battery and light bulb recycling, processing millions of pounds of lead-acid and alkaline batteries annually. We accept:
- Lead-acid (Car/Truck/Boat)
- Nickel Cadmium (NiCd)
- Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
- Lithium-ion (Laptop/Tool/Cell Phone)
- Alkaline (AA, AAA, 9V, etc.)*
Fees and acceptance policies vary by location and state regulations. Please contact your nearest store for details.
Recycle your old batteries today!
Power Up This National Battery Day
Don't let a dead battery slow you down. Whether you need to recycle old lead-acid cores, test your car's starting power, or simply stock up on backup power for your home, we are your neighborhood headquarters for all things energy.
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Celebrate National Battery Day by ensuring your devices are ready for anything. Stop by for expert advice or browse our massive online inventory today.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When is National Battery Day?
A: National Battery Day is observed annually on February 18th.
Q: Why do we celebrate National Battery Day?
A: It honors the birthday of Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the electric battery (1800), and serves as a reminder to check, maintain, and recycle the batteries we use daily.
Q: How do I store batteries to make them last longer?
A: Store batteries in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Avoid extreme heat or freezing cold. Contrary to popular myth, you do not need to store alkaline batteries in the refrigerator; in fact, condensation from the fridge can cause corrosion.
Q: Can I throw old batteries in the trash?
A: It depends on the type, but recycling is always the best option. Lead-acid (car) and lithium-ion (rechargeable) batteries should never go in the trash due to fire risks and environmental toxicity. Standard alkaline batteries are technically safe for trash in some states, but recycling them allows the steel and zinc to be reused.
Q: How do I know if my car battery is bad?
A: Signs of a failing battery include a slow engine crank, dim headlights, the "Check Battery" light appearing on your dashboard, or a swollen battery case. If you notice any of these, stop by for a free test immediately.