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How to get rid of batteries in San Jose, CA
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Quick answer
Batteries are household hazardous waste in San José and can't go in trash or recycling. Schedule a free Santa Clara County HHW drop-off appointment, use the Environmental Innovation Center permanent facility, or a free take-back location for batteries.
Last verified:
- Household (AA, AAA, 9V)
- Household batteries are HHW. Make a free County drop-off appointment or use a listed take-back site for batteries and fluorescent bulbs.
- Lithium-ion & rechargeable
- Lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries are HHW — schedule a County appointment or use take-back. The City Fire Department also stresses lithium-ion fire safety; never trash them.
- Car (lead-acid)
- Automotive batteries are listed under free take-back locations (with tires and antifreeze).
- Fire safety / packing
- Don't put batteries in garbage or recycling carts. Keep terminals from touching.
- Drop-off
- Schedule free drop-off via the Santa Clara County HHW Program website or (408) 299-7300. San José permanent HHW facility: Environmental Innovation Center. Take-back locations are listed on the City HHW page for batteries and bulbs.
- Tip
- Small businesses may qualify for the County CESQG program — (800) 207-8222.
Official source: www.sanjoseca.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 Jose?
Batteries are household hazardous waste in San José and can't go in trash or recycling. Schedule a free Santa Clara County HHW drop-off appointment, use the Environmental Innovation Center permanent facility, or a free take-back location for batteries.
Can I throw AA, AAA or 9-volt batteries in the trash in San Jose?
Household batteries are HHW. Make a free County drop-off appointment or use a listed take-back site for batteries and fluorescent bulbs.
What do I do with lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries in San Jose?
Lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries are HHW — schedule a County appointment or use take-back. The City Fire Department also stresses lithium-ion fire safety; never trash them.
How do I get rid of a car battery in San Jose?
Automotive batteries are listed under free take-back locations (with tires and antifreeze).
How should I pack batteries for disposal?
Don't put batteries in garbage or recycling carts. Keep terminals from touching.
Where can I drop off batteries in San Jose?
Schedule free drop-off via the Santa Clara County HHW Program website or (408) 299-7300. San José permanent HHW facility: Environmental Innovation Center. Take-back locations are listed on the City HHW page for batteries and bulbs.