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How to get rid of batteries in Philadelphia, PA
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Quick answer
Take lithium, rechargeable and lead-acid car batteries to any of Philadelphia's six Sanitation Convenience Centers (Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed City holidays) with proof you live in the city, or to a City household hazardous waste event.
Last verified:
- Household (AA, AAA, 9V)
- The City's convenience center list names lithium, rechargeable and lead-acid batteries but doesn't address single-use alkaline batteries. EPA says to check with your local or state solid waste authority about AA, AAA, C, D and 9-volt batteries.
- Lithium-ion & rechargeable
- Lithium and rechargeable batteries are accepted at all six Sanitation Convenience Centers. Lithium and NiCad batteries are also accepted at the City's household hazardous waste events.
- Car (lead-acid)
- Lead-acid car batteries are accepted at the Sanitation Convenience Centers and at household hazardous waste events.
- Fire safety / packing
- Tape the terminals or put each battery in its own plastic bag before the trip, as EPA recommends. For HHW events, keep items in original containers and pack them in a sturdy box.
- Drop-off
- Sanitation Convenience Centers: six sites, Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed City holidays. Bring proof of residency; vehicles must be under 6,000 lbs. Next HHW event: Saturday, November 7, 2026, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Port Richmond, 3901 N. Delaware Ave. (no registration needed).
- Tip
- Convenience centers also take fluorescent bulbs, so you can drop those off on the same trip.
Official source: www.phila.gov · www.phila.gov · www.epa.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 Philadelphia?
Take lithium, rechargeable and lead-acid car batteries to any of Philadelphia's six Sanitation Convenience Centers (Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed City holidays) with proof you live in the city, or to a City household hazardous waste event.
Can I throw AA, AAA or 9-volt batteries in the trash in Philadelphia?
The City's convenience center list names lithium, rechargeable and lead-acid batteries but doesn't address single-use alkaline batteries. EPA says to check with your local or state solid waste authority about AA, AAA, C, D and 9-volt batteries.
What do I do with lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries in Philadelphia?
Lithium and rechargeable batteries are accepted at all six Sanitation Convenience Centers. Lithium and NiCad batteries are also accepted at the City's household hazardous waste events.
How do I get rid of a car battery in Philadelphia?
Lead-acid car batteries are accepted at the Sanitation Convenience Centers and at household hazardous waste events.
How should I pack batteries for disposal?
Tape the terminals or put each battery in its own plastic bag before the trip, as EPA recommends. For HHW events, keep items in original containers and pack them in a sturdy box.
Where can I drop off batteries in Philadelphia?
Sanitation Convenience Centers: six sites, Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed City holidays. Bring proof of residency; vehicles must be under 6,000 lbs. Next HHW event: Saturday, November 7, 2026, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Port Richmond, 3901 N. Delaware Ave. (no registration needed).