Curbside GuideHow to get rid of batteries in Boston, MA
Last updated:
Not your city? Change
Quick answer
Put alkaline AA, AAA, C, D and 9-volt batteries in the trash. Bring rechargeable, lithium, button and car batteries to a City Zero Waste Day (next: Nov. 21, 2026).
- Household Alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C,…
- Lithium-ion Lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium rec…
- Car battery Lead-acid car batteries are acc…
- Drop-off Next Zero Waste Day: Saturday, …
✓ Last verified:
- Household (AA, AAA, 9V)
- Alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V) can go in your regular trash, per Boston Public Works.
- Lithium-ion & rechargeable
- Lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium rechargeable and lithium primary batteries are accepted at Zero Waste Days. You can also check the City's Zero Waste Directory for retail drop-offs.
- Car (lead-acid)
- Lead-acid car batteries are accepted at Zero Waste Days.
- Fire safety / packing
- Bring proof of Boston residency (photo ID, utility bill or lease). Zero Waste Days are for residents only.
- Drop-off
- Next Zero Waste Day: Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to noon, 315 Gardner St., West Roxbury (rescheduled date). Button and coin cells are accepted too.
- Tip
- Questions: call 311 (617-635-4500) or email [email protected].
Official source: www.boston.gov
Helpful supplies
- Electrical terminal tape — Covering battery terminals helps keep loose batteries from sparking while you store or carry them to a drop-off.
- Battery storage case — Keeps used batteries sorted and separated until your next drop-off trip.
- Fireproof lithium battery bag — Holds lithium-ion and power-tool batteries safely while you wait for a drop-off day.
- Car battery carrier strap — Makes a heavy lead-acid battery easier to carry and keeps it upright.
- Acid-resistant gloves — Protects your hands when handling a car battery.
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 in Boston?
Put alkaline AA, AAA, C, D and 9-volt batteries in the trash. Bring rechargeable, lithium, button and car batteries to a City Zero Waste Day (next: Nov. 21, 2026).
Can I throw AA, AAA or 9-volt batteries in the trash in Boston?
Alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V) can go in your regular trash, per Boston Public Works.
What do I do with lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries in Boston?
Lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium rechargeable and lithium primary batteries are accepted at Zero Waste Days. You can also check the City's Zero Waste Directory for retail drop-offs.
How do I get rid of a car battery in Boston?
Lead-acid car batteries are accepted at Zero Waste Days.
How should I pack batteries for disposal?
Bring proof of Boston residency (photo ID, utility bill or lease). Zero Waste Days are for residents only.
Where can I drop off batteries in Boston?
Next Zero Waste Day: Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to noon, 315 Gardner St., West Roxbury (rescheduled date). Button and coin cells are accepted too.