Curbside GuideHow to get rid of batteries in Denver, CO
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Quick answer
Don't put batteries in Denver's curbside trash or recycling. Many retailers in the metro area take batteries for free, and you can find one with The Battery Network's locator. You can also book Denver's Household Hazardous Waste At-Your-Door pickup ($15 co-payment), which takes household and auto batteries.
- Household Denver says some batteries are …
- Lithium-ion Lithium, rechargeable, coin and…
- Car battery Auto batteries are accepted in …
- Drop-off Free retail drop-offs across th…
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- Household (AA, AAA, 9V)
- Denver says some batteries are prohibited from its curbside programs, and others can still spark fires in collection trucks, so recycle AA, AAA, C, D and 9V batteries at a retail drop-off instead.
- Lithium-ion & rechargeable
- Lithium, rechargeable, coin and button batteries, and devices with embedded batteries (including e-bike batteries), should go to a retail drop-off, which you can find with The Battery Network's locator.
- Car (lead-acid)
- Auto batteries are accepted in the Household Hazardous Waste At-Your-Door program. Schedule at 1-800-449-7587 or wmatyourdoor.com ($15 co-payment, one appointment per calendar year).
- Fire safety / packing
- At-Your-Door: label your materials, put them in the clear collection bag you're sent, and set it out by 7 a.m. on your appointment day. You need at least 3 types of materials, or one material over 25 pounds, to qualify.
- Drop-off
- Free retail drop-offs across the metro area (The Battery Network locator). Questions: call 3-1-1 or (720) 913-1311.
- Tip
- You can arrange to have extra material collected for a fee. Call the hotline at 1-800-449-7587 before your appointment.
Official source: denvergov.org · www.denvergov.org
When's my pickup?
Type your street address to see your trash, recycling and large-item days.
Data: City and County of Denver (Solid Waste Collection Areas), as of 2026-10-12. Official schedule page
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 Denver?
Don't put batteries in Denver's curbside trash or recycling. Many retailers in the metro area take batteries for free, and you can find one with The Battery Network's locator. You can also book Denver's Household Hazardous Waste At-Your-Door pickup ($15 co-payment), which takes household and auto batteries.
Can I throw AA, AAA or 9-volt batteries in the trash in Denver?
Denver says some batteries are prohibited from its curbside programs, and others can still spark fires in collection trucks, so recycle AA, AAA, C, D and 9V batteries at a retail drop-off instead.
What do I do with lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries in Denver?
Lithium, rechargeable, coin and button batteries, and devices with embedded batteries (including e-bike batteries), should go to a retail drop-off, which you can find with The Battery Network's locator.
How do I get rid of a car battery in Denver?
Auto batteries are accepted in the Household Hazardous Waste At-Your-Door program. Schedule at 1-800-449-7587 or wmatyourdoor.com ($15 co-payment, one appointment per calendar year).
How should I pack batteries for disposal?
At-Your-Door: label your materials, put them in the clear collection bag you're sent, and set it out by 7 a.m. on your appointment day. You need at least 3 types of materials, or one material over 25 pounds, to qualify.
Where can I drop off batteries in Denver?
Free retail drop-offs across the metro area (The Battery Network locator). Questions: call 3-1-1 or (720) 913-1311.