Curbside GuideHow to get rid of batteries in Minneapolis / Hennepin County, MN
Last updated:
Not your city? Change
Quick answer
Bring batteries free to a Hennepin County drop-off facility (Bloomington or Brooklyn Park), or recycle household batteries at a Battery Network drop-off location.
- Household All household battery types (al…
- Lithium-ion Bring bulging or damaged lithiu…
- Car battery It's illegal to put lead-acid b…
- Drop-off Hennepin County drop-off facili…
✓ Last verified:
- Household (AA, AAA, 9V)
- All household battery types (alkaline, button, rechargeable) are accepted free at Hennepin County drop-off facilities. Don't put them in other recycling drop-off containers.
- Lithium-ion & rechargeable
- Bring bulging or damaged lithium-ion batteries to a County drop-off facility, each in its own clear plastic bag.
- Car (lead-acid)
- It's illegal to put lead-acid batteries in the garbage. Your battery retailer must take back your old battery when you buy a new one. County drop-off facilities take vehicle batteries free; don't drain the fluid. EV batteries aren't accepted (contact the manufacturer or a dealer).
- Fire safety / packing
- Put batteries in a clear plastic bag or tape both terminals with clear tape to prevent fires.
- Drop-off
- Hennepin County drop-off facilities in Bloomington and Brooklyn Park (no charge, households only).
- Tip
- Business batteries aren't accepted; see the County's Hazardous Waste Disposal Companies list.
Official source: www.hennepincounty.gov · www.hennepincounty.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 Minneapolis?
Bring batteries free to a Hennepin County drop-off facility (Bloomington or Brooklyn Park), or recycle household batteries at a Battery Network drop-off location.
Can I throw AA, AAA or 9-volt batteries in the trash in Minneapolis?
All household battery types (alkaline, button, rechargeable) are accepted free at Hennepin County drop-off facilities. Don't put them in other recycling drop-off containers.
What do I do with lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries in Minneapolis?
Bring bulging or damaged lithium-ion batteries to a County drop-off facility, each in its own clear plastic bag.
How do I get rid of a car battery in Minneapolis?
It's illegal to put lead-acid batteries in the garbage. Your battery retailer must take back your old battery when you buy a new one. County drop-off facilities take vehicle batteries free; don't drain the fluid. EV batteries aren't accepted (contact the manufacturer or a dealer).
How should I pack batteries for disposal?
Put batteries in a clear plastic bag or tape both terminals with clear tape to prevent fires.
Where can I drop off batteries in Minneapolis?
Hennepin County drop-off facilities in Bloomington and Brooklyn Park (no charge, households only).