Curbside GuideHow to get rid of batteries in Milwaukee, WI
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Quick answer
Take household and rechargeable batteries to an MMSD household hazardous waste site, free for Milwaukee County residents.
- Household Batteries are accepted at MMSD …
- Lithium-ion Rechargeable batteries are acce…
- Car battery Not accepted at the MMSD HHW si…
- Drop-off South Drop Off Center, 3879 W
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- Household (AA, AAA, 9V)
- Batteries are accepted at MMSD household hazardous waste sites.
- Lithium-ion & rechargeable
- Rechargeable batteries are accepted at the same MMSD sites.
- Car (lead-acid)
- Not accepted at the MMSD HHW sites. City of Milwaukee Drop Off Centers accept car batteries for recycling (city residents, photo ID).
- Fire safety / packing
- Bring proof of Milwaukee County residency. The North Drop Off Center doesn't take HHW.
- Drop-off
- South Drop Off Center, 3879 W. Lincoln Ave. (Thu–Sat, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and 6060 S. 13th St. (Tue 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
- Tip
- Questions: 414-286-2489 (414-286-CITY).
Official source: city.milwaukee.gov · city.milwaukee.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 Milwaukee?
Take household and rechargeable batteries to an MMSD household hazardous waste site, free for Milwaukee County residents.
Can I throw AA, AAA or 9-volt batteries in the trash in Milwaukee?
Batteries are accepted at MMSD household hazardous waste sites.
What do I do with lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries in Milwaukee?
Rechargeable batteries are accepted at the same MMSD sites.
How do I get rid of a car battery in Milwaukee?
Not accepted at the MMSD HHW sites. City of Milwaukee Drop Off Centers accept car batteries for recycling (city residents, photo ID).
How should I pack batteries for disposal?
Bring proof of Milwaukee County residency. The North Drop Off Center doesn't take HHW.
Where can I drop off batteries in Milwaukee?
South Drop Off Center, 3879 W. Lincoln Ave. (Thu–Sat, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and 6060 S. 13th St. (Tue 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.).