Curbside GuideHow to get rid of batteries in Raleigh, NC
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Quick answer
Do not put lithium-ion batteries in Raleigh trash or recycling. Take household and rechargeable batteries to a Wake County Household Hazardous Waste facility.
- Household Wake County HHW facilities acce…
- Lithium-ion Tape both terminals on lithium-…
- Car battery Lead-acid (12V) automotive-styl…
- Drop-off North Wake HHW: 9037 Deponie Dr…
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- Household (AA, AAA, 9V)
- Wake County HHW facilities accept alkaline, zinc-carbon, lithium-primary, lead-acid (limit 6), lithium-ion, NiCd, NiMH, and other common types. Lithium ferro-phosphate, EV, and backup-generator packs are not accepted.
- Lithium-ion & rechargeable
- Tape both terminals on lithium-ion batteries or bag them individually. Damaged/swollen/leaking lithium batteries need prompt HHW drop-off — do not store them.
- Car (lead-acid)
- Lead-acid (12V) automotive-style batteries are accepted at HHW (daily limit 6); tape or bag terminals.
- Fire safety / packing
- Use non-conductive tape (electrical/duct/packing; clear preferred) or individual baggies. Store in an open non-metal container away from children.
- Drop-off
- North Wake HHW: 9037 Deponie Drive, Raleigh — Saturdays 8 a.m.–4 p.m. South Wake (Apex): Mon–Sat 8 a.m.–4 p.m. East Wake (Wendell): Sat–Sun 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Tip
- NC landfill/incinerator ban on lithium-ion batteries takes effect Dec. 1, 2026 (SL 2023-137). City of Raleigh also publishes safe-battery guidance pointing residents to Wake HHW.
Official source: www.wake.gov · www.wake.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 Raleigh?
Do not put lithium-ion batteries in Raleigh trash or recycling. Take household and rechargeable batteries to a Wake County Household Hazardous Waste facility.
Can I throw AA, AAA or 9-volt batteries in the trash in Raleigh?
Wake County HHW facilities accept alkaline, zinc-carbon, lithium-primary, lead-acid (limit 6), lithium-ion, NiCd, NiMH, and other common types. Lithium ferro-phosphate, EV, and backup-generator packs are not accepted.
What do I do with lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries in Raleigh?
Tape both terminals on lithium-ion batteries or bag them individually. Damaged/swollen/leaking lithium batteries need prompt HHW drop-off — do not store them.
How do I get rid of a car battery in Raleigh?
Lead-acid (12V) automotive-style batteries are accepted at HHW (daily limit 6); tape or bag terminals.
How should I pack batteries for disposal?
Use non-conductive tape (electrical/duct/packing; clear preferred) or individual baggies. Store in an open non-metal container away from children.
Where can I drop off batteries in Raleigh?
North Wake HHW: 9037 Deponie Drive, Raleigh — Saturdays 8 a.m.–4 p.m. South Wake (Apex): Mon–Sat 8 a.m.–4 p.m. East Wake (Wendell): Sat–Sun 8 a.m.–4 p.m.