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How to get rid of batteries in New York City, NY
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Quick answer
Regular alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt) can go in the trash. Rechargeable, lithium-ion, button/coin and car batteries are illegal to put in the trash or recycling. Bring them to a DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off Site or a SAFE Disposal Event, or return them to a store that sells them.
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- Household (AA, AAA, 9V)
- Single-use alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V) may be thrown out with regular trash. DSNY says to tape the terminals of D and 9-volt batteries first. Special Waste Drop-Off Sites also accept alkalines (don't bag or tape them there). Button and coin batteries are not allowed in the trash.
- Lithium-ion & rechargeable
- Lithium-ion and other rechargeable batteries (phones, laptops, power tools) are illegal to throw in the trash or recycling because they cause fires in trucks and facilities. New York State law requires stores that sell rechargeable batteries to accept them for recycling. If a store refuses, report it to the NYS DEC at 1-800-847-7332.
- Car (lead-acid)
- Car (lead-acid) batteries are illegal to put in the trash or recycling. Return them to any service station or auto supply store that sells them, or bring them to a DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off Site or SAFE Disposal Event. Under New York State law, businesses that sell new lead-acid batteries must take up to two used ones per month free of charge, even if you don't buy a new one.
- Fire safety / packing
- For drop-off, put each rechargeable or lithium battery in its own clear plastic bag, or cover the terminals with clear tape (not opaque tape), so staff can read the label.
- Drop-off
- DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off Sites (one in each borough) are open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You may be asked for proof of NYC residency. SAFE Disposal Events also take batteries.
- Tip
- Damaged, swollen or recalled lithium-ion batteries are a fire risk. Never put them in a trash bag or recycling bin.
Official source: www.nyc.gov · www.nyc.gov · www.nyc.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 NYC?
Regular alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt) can go in the trash. Rechargeable, lithium-ion, button/coin and car batteries are illegal to put in the trash or recycling. Bring them to a DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off Site or a SAFE Disposal Event, or return them to a store that sells them.
Can I throw AA, AAA or 9-volt batteries in the trash in NYC?
Single-use alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V) may be thrown out with regular trash. DSNY says to tape the terminals of D and 9-volt batteries first. Special Waste Drop-Off Sites also accept alkalines (don't bag or tape them there). Button and coin batteries are not allowed in the trash.
What do I do with lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries in NYC?
Lithium-ion and other rechargeable batteries (phones, laptops, power tools) are illegal to throw in the trash or recycling because they cause fires in trucks and facilities. New York State law requires stores that sell rechargeable batteries to accept them for recycling. If a store refuses, report it to the NYS DEC at 1-800-847-7332.
How do I get rid of a car battery in NYC?
Car (lead-acid) batteries are illegal to put in the trash or recycling. Return them to any service station or auto supply store that sells them, or bring them to a DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off Site or SAFE Disposal Event. Under New York State law, businesses that sell new lead-acid batteries must take up to two used ones per month free of charge, even if you don't buy a new one.
How should I pack batteries for disposal?
For drop-off, put each rechargeable or lithium battery in its own clear plastic bag, or cover the terminals with clear tape (not opaque tape), so staff can read the label.
Where can I drop off batteries in NYC?
DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off Sites (one in each borough) are open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You may be asked for proof of NYC residency. SAFE Disposal Events also take batteries.