Curbside GuideHow to get rid of batteries in Portland, OR
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Quick answer
Take batteries to Metro's free household hazardous waste drop-off at Metro Central or Metro South.
- Household Batteries are on Metro's list o…
- Lithium-ion Accepted at Metro's HHW facilit…
- Car battery Automotive products and batteri…
- Drop-off Metro Central, 6161 NW 61st Ave
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- Household (AA, AAA, 9V)
- Batteries are on Metro's list of hazardous household products that shouldn't go in the trash, and Metro takes them free from households.
- Lithium-ion & rechargeable
- Accepted at Metro's HHW facilities. Electric vehicle (EV) batteries are not accepted.
- Car (lead-acid)
- Automotive products and batteries are accepted at Metro's HHW facilities.
- Fire safety / packing
- Pack items upright in sturdy boxes in a single layer, keep products in original containers, and expect to leave the boxes. Limit 35 gallons per day.
- Drop-off
- Metro Central, 6161 NW 61st Ave., Portland (Mon–Sat, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.); Metro South, 2001 Washington St., Oregon City (daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
- Tip
- Ask Metro's experts at 503-234-3000 (weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Official source: www.oregonmetro.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 Portland?
Take batteries to Metro's free household hazardous waste drop-off at Metro Central or Metro South.
Can I throw AA, AAA or 9-volt batteries in the trash in Portland?
Batteries are on Metro's list of hazardous household products that shouldn't go in the trash, and Metro takes them free from households.
What do I do with lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries in Portland?
Accepted at Metro's HHW facilities. Electric vehicle (EV) batteries are not accepted.
How do I get rid of a car battery in Portland?
Automotive products and batteries are accepted at Metro's HHW facilities.
How should I pack batteries for disposal?
Pack items upright in sturdy boxes in a single layer, keep products in original containers, and expect to leave the boxes. Limit 35 gallons per day.
Where can I drop off batteries in Portland?
Metro Central, 6161 NW 61st Ave., Portland (Mon–Sat, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.); Metro South, 2001 Washington St., Oregon City (daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.