Curbside GuideHow to get rid of batteries in Chicago, IL
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Quick answer
Bring rechargeable, lithium and car batteries to the City's Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility (HCCRF), 1150 N. North Branch St. It's open Tuesday 7 a.m. to noon, Thursday 2 to 7 p.m., and the first Saturday of each month 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The HCCRF does not take alkaline batteries.
- Household The HCCRF does not accept alkal…
- Lithium-ion Lithium and rechargeable batter…
- Car battery Car batteries and other lead-ac…
- Drop-off HCCRF, 1150 N
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- Household (AA, AAA, 9V)
- The HCCRF does not accept alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V). For those, the City points residents to ChicagoRecycles.org for disposal options.
- Lithium-ion & rechargeable
- Lithium and rechargeable batteries are accepted at the HCCRF during open hours.
- Car (lead-acid)
- Car batteries and other lead-acid batteries are accepted at the HCCRF.
- Fire safety / packing
- Don't leave anything outside the facility when it's closed. Pull up to the blue building (household chemicals), and an attendant will check your items. The HCCRF is for residents only, not businesses.
- Drop-off
- HCCRF, 1150 N. North Branch St. (two blocks east of the Kennedy Expressway at Division Street). Tuesday 7 a.m. to noon, Thursday 2 to 7 p.m., first Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Tip
- The same trip can cover old computers, too. Electronics go to the yellow building.
Official source: www.chicago.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 Chicago?
Bring rechargeable, lithium and car batteries to the City's Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility (HCCRF), 1150 N. North Branch St. It's open Tuesday 7 a.m. to noon, Thursday 2 to 7 p.m., and the first Saturday of each month 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The HCCRF does not take alkaline batteries.
Can I throw AA, AAA or 9-volt batteries in the trash in Chicago?
The HCCRF does not accept alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V). For those, the City points residents to ChicagoRecycles.org for disposal options.
What do I do with lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries in Chicago?
Lithium and rechargeable batteries are accepted at the HCCRF during open hours.
How do I get rid of a car battery in Chicago?
Car batteries and other lead-acid batteries are accepted at the HCCRF.
How should I pack batteries for disposal?
Don't leave anything outside the facility when it's closed. Pull up to the blue building (household chemicals), and an attendant will check your items. The HCCRF is for residents only, not businesses.
Where can I drop off batteries in Chicago?
HCCRF, 1150 N. North Branch St. (two blocks east of the Kennedy Expressway at Division Street). Tuesday 7 a.m. to noon, Thursday 2 to 7 p.m., first Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.