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How to get rid of batteries in Houston, TX
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Quick answer
Take batteries, including car batteries, to a City of Houston Environmental Service Center (ESC). ESC South is at 11500 S. Post Oak Rd. (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). ESC North is at 5614 Neches St. (second Thursday of each month, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Bring proof of address.
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- Household (AA, AAA, 9V)
- "Batteries" are on the city's list of materials accepted at both Environmental Service Centers, which take household hazardous waste that should not go in regular trash or curbside collection.
- Lithium-ion & rechargeable
- Bring lithium-ion and other rechargeable batteries to an Environmental Service Center. Electronics are accepted there too, up to 5 large electronic items per visit.
- Car (lead-acid)
- "Automotive batteries" are accepted at the Environmental Service Centers. Don't set them out with heavy trash.
- Fire safety / packing
- Tape the terminals or put each battery in its own plastic bag before the trip, as EPA recommends, so loose batteries can't short and start a fire.
- Drop-off
- ESC South: 11500 S. Post Oak Rd., Houston, TX 77035, open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ESC North: 5614 Neches St., Houston, TX 77026, open the second Thursday of each month, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring one proof of address: a current Texas-issued ID, or a current City of Houston utility bill or lease.
- Tip
- If your primary home is outside Texas, the city requires a current property tax bill with a name matching your ID.
Official source: houstontx.gov · www.epa.gov
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 Houston?
Take batteries, including car batteries, to a City of Houston Environmental Service Center (ESC). ESC South is at 11500 S. Post Oak Rd. (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). ESC North is at 5614 Neches St. (second Thursday of each month, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Bring proof of address.
Can I throw AA, AAA or 9-volt batteries in the trash in Houston?
"Batteries" are on the city's list of materials accepted at both Environmental Service Centers, which take household hazardous waste that should not go in regular trash or curbside collection.
What do I do with lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries in Houston?
Bring lithium-ion and other rechargeable batteries to an Environmental Service Center. Electronics are accepted there too, up to 5 large electronic items per visit.
How do I get rid of a car battery in Houston?
"Automotive batteries" are accepted at the Environmental Service Centers. Don't set them out with heavy trash.
How should I pack batteries for disposal?
Tape the terminals or put each battery in its own plastic bag before the trip, as EPA recommends, so loose batteries can't short and start a fire.
Where can I drop off batteries in Houston?
ESC South: 11500 S. Post Oak Rd., Houston, TX 77035, open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ESC North: 5614 Neches St., Houston, TX 77026, open the second Thursday of each month, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring one proof of address: a current Texas-issued ID, or a current City of Houston utility bill or lease.