Curbside GuideHow to get rid of batteries in Charlotte, NC
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Quick answer
Take lithium-ion and other rechargeable batteries to the household hazardous waste area at any of Mecklenburg County's four full-service recycling centers, free for County residents. Never put rechargeable batteries in the trash or recycling cart.
- Household Mecklenburg County says single-…
- Lithium-ion Lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, sm…
- Car battery Lead-acid batteries (including …
- Drop-off Full-service centers (Mon to Sa…
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- Household (AA, AAA, 9V)
- Mecklenburg County says single-use (not rechargeable) A, AAA, C and D batteries can go in the trash.
- Lithium-ion & rechargeable
- Lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, small rechargeable and power-tool batteries go to the HHW area at a full-service center. Hand them to staff. It's free for Mecklenburg County residents.
- Car (lead-acid)
- Lead-acid batteries (including UPS units) go in the lead-acid battery rack next to most HHW areas at the full-service centers.
- Fire safety / packing
- Tape terminals or bag each rechargeable battery so they can't touch. Damaged lithium-ion batteries can spark fires in carts, trucks and recycling centers.
- Drop-off
- Full-service centers (Mon to Sat 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.): Compost Central, 140 Valleydale Rd., Charlotte 28214; Foxhole, 17131 Lancaster Hwy., Charlotte 28277; Hickory Grove, 8007 Pence Rd., Charlotte 28215; North Mecklenburg, 12300 N. Statesville Rd., Huntersville 28078. County residents need a free blue entry sticker (show proof of residence at the fee booth).
- Tip
- Tell staff you have hazardous waste when you arrive. Questions: 311 or 980-314-3867.
Official source: wipeoutwaste.mecknc.gov · wipeoutwaste.mecknc.gov · wipeoutwaste.mecknc.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 Charlotte?
Take lithium-ion and other rechargeable batteries to the household hazardous waste area at any of Mecklenburg County's four full-service recycling centers, free for County residents. Never put rechargeable batteries in the trash or recycling cart.
Can I throw AA, AAA or 9-volt batteries in the trash in Charlotte?
Mecklenburg County says single-use (not rechargeable) A, AAA, C and D batteries can go in the trash.
What do I do with lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries in Charlotte?
Lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, small rechargeable and power-tool batteries go to the HHW area at a full-service center. Hand them to staff. It's free for Mecklenburg County residents.
How do I get rid of a car battery in Charlotte?
Lead-acid batteries (including UPS units) go in the lead-acid battery rack next to most HHW areas at the full-service centers.
How should I pack batteries for disposal?
Tape terminals or bag each rechargeable battery so they can't touch. Damaged lithium-ion batteries can spark fires in carts, trucks and recycling centers.
Where can I drop off batteries in Charlotte?
Full-service centers (Mon to Sat 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.): Compost Central, 140 Valleydale Rd., Charlotte 28214; Foxhole, 17131 Lancaster Hwy., Charlotte 28277; Hickory Grove, 8007 Pence Rd., Charlotte 28215; North Mecklenburg, 12300 N. Statesville Rd., Huntersville 28078. County residents need a free blue entry sticker (show proof of residence at the fee booth).