Curbside GuideHow to get rid of batteries in Los Angeles County, CA
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Quick answer
Take batteries free to an LA County household hazardous waste event, a City of LA S.A.F.E. Center, or the Palmdale or Signal Hill permanent center.
- Household Batteries are on the County's lā¦
- Lithium-ion Accepted at County HHW events aā¦
- Car battery Automotive items are taken at Cā¦
- Drop-off Antelope Valley Environmental Cā¦
ā Last verified:
- Household (AA, AAA, 9V)
- Batteries are on the County's list of HHW items accepted free at permanent collection centers.
- Lithium-ion & rechargeable
- Accepted at County HHW events and permanent centers along with other e-waste.
- Car (lead-acid)
- Automotive items are taken at City of LA S.A.F.E. (Solvents/Automotive/Flammables/Electronics) Centers, open to all County residents.
- Fire safety / packing
- Pack items in cardboard boxes, keep them in original containers, and don't mix products. Limit 15 gallons or 125 pounds per trip.
- Drop-off
- Antelope Valley Environmental Collection Center, 1200 W. City Ranch Rd., Palmdale (1st and 3rd Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.); EDCO Recycling & Transfer Center, 2755 California Ave., Signal Hill (select Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Most one-day events run Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Tip
- Business waste isn't accepted. Questions: 1-888-CLEAN-LA.
Official source: cleanla.lacounty.gov
Helpful supplies
- Electrical terminal tape ā Covering battery terminals helps keep loose batteries from sparking while you store or carry them to a drop-off.
- Battery storage case ā Keeps used batteries sorted and separated until your next drop-off trip.
- Fireproof lithium battery bag ā Holds lithium-ion and power-tool batteries safely while you wait for a drop-off day.
- Car battery carrier strap ā Makes a heavy lead-acid battery easier to carry and keeps it upright.
- Acid-resistant gloves ā 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 Los Angeles County?
Take batteries free to an LA County household hazardous waste event, a City of LA S.A.F.E. Center, or the Palmdale or Signal Hill permanent center.
Can I throw AA, AAA or 9-volt batteries in the trash in Los Angeles County?
Batteries are on the County's list of HHW items accepted free at permanent collection centers.
What do I do with lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries in Los Angeles County?
Accepted at County HHW events and permanent centers along with other e-waste.
How do I get rid of a car battery in Los Angeles County?
Automotive items are taken at City of LA S.A.F.E. (Solvents/Automotive/Flammables/Electronics) Centers, open to all County residents.
How should I pack batteries for disposal?
Pack items in cardboard boxes, keep them in original containers, and don't mix products. Limit 15 gallons or 125 pounds per trip.
Where can I drop off batteries in Los Angeles County?
Antelope Valley Environmental Collection Center, 1200 W. City Ranch Rd., Palmdale (1st and 3rd Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.); EDCO Recycling & Transfer Center, 2755 California Ave., Signal Hill (select Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Most one-day events run Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.