Curbside GuideHow to get rid of batteries in San Francisco, CA
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In a house or small apartment building, put loose household batteries in a clear plastic bag on top of your black/gray bin. In a large complex, use the building's orange battery bucket.
- Household Loose household batteries go in…
- Lithium-ion Tape over the contacts of lithi…
- Car battery Car batteries are not accepted …
- Drop-off Retail collection partners are …
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- Household (AA, AAA, 9V)
- Loose household batteries go in a clear plastic bag on top of the black/gray bin (houses and small buildings) or in the orange bucket (large complexes).
- Lithium-ion & rechargeable
- Tape over the contacts of lithium batteries (look for "Li" or "Lithium"). Batteries from e-bikes, vapes, laptops and cell phones aren't accepted curbside; check SFRecycles or call Recology at (415) 330-1300.
- Car (lead-acid)
- Car batteries are not accepted curbside.
- Fire safety / packing
- Don't remove built-in batteries from devices. Ask Recology or SFRecycles about the whole device.
- Drop-off
- Retail collection partners are listed on SFRecycles. When a building's orange bucket is full, anyone can call (415) 330-1300 for a free pickup.
- Tip
- Building managers can order an orange battery bucket from Recology for free.
Official source: www.sfenvironment.org
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 San Francisco?
In a house or small apartment building, put loose household batteries in a clear plastic bag on top of your black/gray bin. In a large complex, use the building's orange battery bucket.
Can I throw AA, AAA or 9-volt batteries in the trash in San Francisco?
Loose household batteries go in a clear plastic bag on top of the black/gray bin (houses and small buildings) or in the orange bucket (large complexes).
What do I do with lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries in San Francisco?
Tape over the contacts of lithium batteries (look for "Li" or "Lithium"). Batteries from e-bikes, vapes, laptops and cell phones aren't accepted curbside; check SFRecycles or call Recology at (415) 330-1300.
How do I get rid of a car battery in San Francisco?
Car batteries are not accepted curbside.
How should I pack batteries for disposal?
Don't remove built-in batteries from devices. Ask Recology or SFRecycles about the whole device.
Where can I drop off batteries in San Francisco?
Retail collection partners are listed on SFRecycles. When a building's orange bucket is full, anyone can call (415) 330-1300 for a free pickup.