Curbside GuideThanksgiving trash guide: holiday pickup changes, turkey fryer oil, extra trash and boxes.
How to get rid of batteries — city by city
Pickup rules, limits and drop-offs differ by city. Find yours for the official answer. More cities coming soon.
Covered cities
AZ
TX
General tips from official sources
- To prevent fires from lithium-ion batteries, tape battery terminals and/or place batteries in separate plastic bags, and never put them in household garbage or recycling bins. (www.epa.gov)
- Batteries can have enough energy to injure or start fires even when used and when they appear to be discharged. (www.epa.gov)
- Lead-acid (car) batteries may contain up to 18 pounds of lead and about a gallon of corrosive sulfuric acid. Return them to a battery retailer or a household hazardous waste collection program. (www.epa.gov)
- Removable rechargeable batteries can go to specialized battery recyclers, participating retailers that offer battery take-back, or local household hazardous waste programs. (www.epa.gov)
FAQ
How do I get rid of batteries?
It depends on the type. In many places single-use alkaline batteries can go in the trash, but lithium-ion, rechargeable, button and car batteries should never go in the trash or recycling. Take them to a household hazardous waste program, a battery recycler or a retailer that offers take-back. Pick your city below for the official rules.
What if my city isn't listed yet?
Check your city or county's public works or solid waste website, or call 311. We only publish city rules after checking the official source.
Why tape battery terminals?
Batteries can still hold enough energy to start a fire even when they seem dead. EPA recommends taping the terminals or putting each battery in its own plastic bag, and never putting lithium-ion batteries in household garbage or recycling bins.
Where can I take a car battery?
EPA says to return lead-acid car batteries to a battery retailer or your local household hazardous waste program. They hold up to 18 pounds of lead and about a gallon of sulfuric acid.