Curbside GuideHow to get rid of batteries in Oakland, CA
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Quick answer
Do not put batteries in any Oakland curbside cart. Take them free to the Alameda County Household Hazardous Waste Facility in Oakland.
- Household Household batteries belong at t…
- Lithium-ion Rechargeable and lithium batter…
- Car battery Auto-related batteries are hand…
- Drop-off Alameda County HHW Facility, 21…
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- Household (AA, AAA, 9V)
- Household batteries belong at the HHW Facility, not in trash or recycling.
- Lithium-ion & rechargeable
- Rechargeable and lithium batteries go to the same HHW Facility. Schedule if required via Alameda County HHW.
- Car (lead-acid)
- Auto-related batteries are handled through Alameda County HHW — call (800) 606-6606 for limits.
- Fire safety / packing
- Limit 15 gallons / 125 pounds per vehicle per day.
- Drop-off
- Alameda County HHW Facility, 2100 East 7th Street, Oakland. Wed–Fri 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Free for residents. (800) 606-6606.
- Tip
- The same site takes fluorescent bulbs, paints, solvents, pesticides, spray cans and e-waste.
Official source: www.oaklandca.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 Oakland?
Do not put batteries in any Oakland curbside cart. Take them free to the Alameda County Household Hazardous Waste Facility in Oakland.
Can I throw AA, AAA or 9-volt batteries in the trash in Oakland?
Household batteries belong at the HHW Facility, not in trash or recycling.
What do I do with lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries in Oakland?
Rechargeable and lithium batteries go to the same HHW Facility. Schedule if required via Alameda County HHW.
How do I get rid of a car battery in Oakland?
Auto-related batteries are handled through Alameda County HHW — call (800) 606-6606 for limits.
How should I pack batteries for disposal?
Limit 15 gallons / 125 pounds per vehicle per day.
Where can I drop off batteries in Oakland?
Alameda County HHW Facility, 2100 East 7th Street, Oakland. Wed–Fri 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Free for residents. (800) 606-6606.