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How to get rid of batteries in San Diego, CA
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Quick answer
All batteries are hazardous waste in California and aren't allowed in the trash or landfill. City of San Diego residents can bring home and car batteries free to the HHW Transfer Facility at Miramar Landfill (by appointment, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) or to a City one-day collection event.
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- Household (AA, AAA, 9V)
- Not in the trash. All battery types, including alkaline AA, AAA and 9-volt, count as hazardous waste in California. Take them to the HHW Transfer Facility by appointment or to a one-day collection event.
- Lithium-ion & rechargeable
- Lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries go to the HHW Transfer Facility (by appointment) or a one-day event. Swollen or reacting batteries are NOT accepted at the facility.
- Car (lead-acid)
- Car batteries are accepted at the HHW Transfer Facility by appointment and at the City's one-day recycling events.
- Fire safety / packing
- Store used batteries by type in a dry place, in zip-lock bags or a lidded plastic container, with clear tape over the terminals. Put a leaking battery in its own plastic bag, wear gloves and wash your hands afterward.
- Drop-off
- HHW Transfer Facility, Miramar Landfill entrance, 5161 Convoy St., by appointment, Wednesday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed November 28 and December 26, 2026 and January 2, 2027. Bring ID and proof of City residency. One-day events (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.): Saturday, November 14, 2026 at Vista Del Mar Middle School, 4885 Del Sol Blvd., and Saturday, December 19, 2026 in Balboa Park's Inspiration lot.
- Tip
- Questions about the HHW Transfer Facility: 858-694-7000.
Official source: www.sandiego.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 San Diego?
All batteries are hazardous waste in California and aren't allowed in the trash or landfill. City of San Diego residents can bring home and car batteries free to the HHW Transfer Facility at Miramar Landfill (by appointment, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) or to a City one-day collection event.
Can I throw AA, AAA or 9-volt batteries in the trash in San Diego?
Not in the trash. All battery types, including alkaline AA, AAA and 9-volt, count as hazardous waste in California. Take them to the HHW Transfer Facility by appointment or to a one-day collection event.
What do I do with lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries in San Diego?
Lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries go to the HHW Transfer Facility (by appointment) or a one-day event. Swollen or reacting batteries are NOT accepted at the facility.
How do I get rid of a car battery in San Diego?
Car batteries are accepted at the HHW Transfer Facility by appointment and at the City's one-day recycling events.
How should I pack batteries for disposal?
Store used batteries by type in a dry place, in zip-lock bags or a lidded plastic container, with clear tape over the terminals. Put a leaking battery in its own plastic bag, wear gloves and wash your hands afterward.
Where can I drop off batteries in San Diego?
HHW Transfer Facility, Miramar Landfill entrance, 5161 Convoy St., by appointment, Wednesday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed November 28 and December 26, 2026 and January 2, 2027. Bring ID and proof of City residency. One-day events (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.): Saturday, November 14, 2026 at Vista Del Mar Middle School, 4885 Del Sol Blvd., and Saturday, December 19, 2026 in Balboa Park's Inspiration lot.