Curbside GuideHow to get rid of batteries in Detroit, MI
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Quick answer
Take alkaline, auto and other batteries to Detroit DPW's Household Hazardous Waste facility at 2000 E. Ferry Street. Free for Detroit residents only.
- Household Alkaline batteries are accepted…
- Lithium-ion Bring rechargeable and specialt…
- Car battery Auto batteries are accepted at …
- Drop-off DPW HHW Receiving Facility, 200…
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- Household (AA, AAA, 9V)
- Alkaline batteries are accepted at the HHW Receiving Facility (listed on the City's acceptable HHW items).
- Lithium-ion & rechargeable
- Bring rechargeable and specialty batteries to the same HHW facility. Do not put them in trash or recycling.
- Car (lead-acid)
- Auto batteries are accepted at the HHW facility on Ferry Street.
- Fire safety / packing
- Keep batteries separate from trash. The facility also takes paint, fluorescents, electronics and many chemicals.
- Drop-off
- DPW HHW Receiving Facility, 2000 E. Ferry St (near I-75/I-94), (313) 923-2240. Thursdays 7:30 a.m.–2 p.m.; fourth Saturday each month 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Detroit residents only; free.
- Tip
- Air conditioning units and appliances are not accepted at HHW — use bulk collection for those.
Official source: detroitmi.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 Detroit?
Take alkaline, auto and other batteries to Detroit DPW's Household Hazardous Waste facility at 2000 E. Ferry Street. Free for Detroit residents only.
Can I throw AA, AAA or 9-volt batteries in the trash in Detroit?
Alkaline batteries are accepted at the HHW Receiving Facility (listed on the City's acceptable HHW items).
What do I do with lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries in Detroit?
Bring rechargeable and specialty batteries to the same HHW facility. Do not put them in trash or recycling.
How do I get rid of a car battery in Detroit?
Auto batteries are accepted at the HHW facility on Ferry Street.
How should I pack batteries for disposal?
Keep batteries separate from trash. The facility also takes paint, fluorescents, electronics and many chemicals.
Where can I drop off batteries in Detroit?
DPW HHW Receiving Facility, 2000 E. Ferry St (near I-75/I-94), (313) 923-2240. Thursdays 7:30 a.m.–2 p.m.; fourth Saturday each month 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Detroit residents only; free.