Curbside GuideThanksgiving trash guide: holiday pickup changes, turkey fryer oil, extra trash and boxes.
How to get rid of batteries in Providence, RI
Not your city? Change
Quick answer
Rechargeable batteries (phone, laptop, car) must not go in trash or recycling. Take them to a free RIRRC Eco-Depot event (appointment required) or a retailer take-back such as Home Depot for small rechargeables.
Last verified:
- Household (AA, AAA, 9V)
- The City's tricky-items page focuses on rechargeable batteries for Eco-Depot. When in doubt, use an Eco-Depot appointment rather than the trash cart.
- Lithium-ion & rechargeable
- Phone and laptop (lithium-ion) batteries go to Eco-Depot — never trash or recycling. Appointment required.
- Car (lead-acid)
- Car batteries are listed for Eco-Depot disposal.
- Fire safety / packing
- Do not put rechargeable batteries in trash or recycling carts.
- Drop-off
- RIRRC Eco-Depot events — schedule at ecodepotri.org or 401-942-1430 x3241. Some large retailers (e.g. Home Depot) take small rechargeable batteries.
- Tip
- Eco-Depot also takes paint, motor oil, CFLs, antifreeze and sharps. Appointments are free but required.
Official source: www.providenceri.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 Providence?
Rechargeable batteries (phone, laptop, car) must not go in trash or recycling. Take them to a free RIRRC Eco-Depot event (appointment required) or a retailer take-back such as Home Depot for small rechargeables.
Can I throw AA, AAA or 9-volt batteries in the trash in Providence?
The City's tricky-items page focuses on rechargeable batteries for Eco-Depot. When in doubt, use an Eco-Depot appointment rather than the trash cart.
What do I do with lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries in Providence?
Phone and laptop (lithium-ion) batteries go to Eco-Depot — never trash or recycling. Appointment required.
How do I get rid of a car battery in Providence?
Car batteries are listed for Eco-Depot disposal.
How should I pack batteries for disposal?
Do not put rechargeable batteries in trash or recycling carts.
Where can I drop off batteries in Providence?
RIRRC Eco-Depot events — schedule at ecodepotri.org or 401-942-1430 x3241. Some large retailers (e.g. Home Depot) take small rechargeable batteries.