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How to get rid of batteries in Columbus, OH
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Quick answer
Franklin County residents can drop off all household batteries free at SWACO's Household Hazardous Waste facility (or a SWACO/City HHW event). Never put batteries in trash or recycling.
Last verified:
- Household (AA, AAA, 9V)
- All batteries — including alkaline AA, AAA and 9-volt — are accepted free at the SWACO HHW facility as household hazardous waste.
- Lithium-ion & rechargeable
- Computer and other lithium/rechargeable batteries are accepted. Store batteries so terminals can't touch (cases or original packaging); new and used batteries can start fires if stored in contact.
- Car (lead-acid)
- Vehicle (lead-acid) batteries are accepted at the SWACO HHW facility.
- Fire safety / packing
- Keep batteries dry, terminals covered or separated, and in original packaging or a battery case when you can.
- Drop-off
- SWACO HHW Facility, 645 E. 8th Avenue, Columbus (corner of E. 8th and Essex), Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and first Saturday of each month 9 a.m.–2 p.m.; closed holidays. Phone 614-294-1300. City one-day event: Saturday, July 18, 2026, 8 a.m.–2 p.m. at Georgesville Waste and Reuse Convenience Center, 1550 Georgesville Road.
- Tip
- City of Columbus Refuse points residents to SWACO for batteries and other HHW. SWACO main info: 614-871-5100.
Official source: www.columbus.gov · www.swaco.org
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 Columbus?
Franklin County residents can drop off all household batteries free at SWACO's Household Hazardous Waste facility (or a SWACO/City HHW event). Never put batteries in trash or recycling.
Can I throw AA, AAA or 9-volt batteries in the trash in Columbus?
All batteries — including alkaline AA, AAA and 9-volt — are accepted free at the SWACO HHW facility as household hazardous waste.
What do I do with lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries in Columbus?
Computer and other lithium/rechargeable batteries are accepted. Store batteries so terminals can't touch (cases or original packaging); new and used batteries can start fires if stored in contact.
How do I get rid of a car battery in Columbus?
Vehicle (lead-acid) batteries are accepted at the SWACO HHW facility.
How should I pack batteries for disposal?
Keep batteries dry, terminals covered or separated, and in original packaging or a battery case when you can.
Where can I drop off batteries in Columbus?
SWACO HHW Facility, 645 E. 8th Avenue, Columbus (corner of E. 8th and Essex), Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and first Saturday of each month 9 a.m.–2 p.m.; closed holidays. Phone 614-294-1300. City one-day event: Saturday, July 18, 2026, 8 a.m.–2 p.m. at Georgesville Waste and Reuse Convenience Center, 1550 Georgesville Road.