Curbside GuideHow to get rid of batteries in Seattle, WA
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Quick answer
Batteries are banned from Seattle garbage and recycling (SPU Director's Rule SW-404). Book a Special Item Pickup through SPU (206-684-3000) for household batteries, or take them to a household hazardous waste facility. Car batteries are accepted there too.
- Household All batteries, including single…
- Lithium-ion Lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium and…
- Car battery Car batteries aren't included i…
- Drop-off Household hazardous waste facil…
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- Household (AA, AAA, 9V)
- All batteries, including single-use alkaline, button cells, silver oxide and zinc air, are banned from the garbage. Special Item Pickup takes AA, AAA, C, D and button batteries: your first pickup each year is free (call 206-684-3000 to order it), then it's $5 per pickup, up to two 1-gallon bags.
- Lithium-ion & rechargeable
- Lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium and other rechargeable batteries are banned from the garbage. Removable rechargeables, like power-tool batteries, can go in a Special Item Pickup. E-bike and e-scooter batteries can't.
- Car (lead-acid)
- Car batteries aren't included in Special Item Pickup. The region's household hazardous waste facilities accept vehicle batteries.
- Fire safety / packing
- Tape the ends of each battery to prevent fires, and put rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries in separate bags.
- Drop-off
- Household hazardous waste facilities accept alkaline, button, rechargeable and vehicle batteries. SPU's Where Does It Go tool lists other drop-off options.
- Tip
- If batteries are spotted in your garbage, SPU will tag your cart and ask you to remove them.
Official source: www.seattle.gov · seattle.gov · seattle.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 Seattle?
Batteries are banned from Seattle garbage and recycling (SPU Director's Rule SW-404). Book a Special Item Pickup through SPU (206-684-3000) for household batteries, or take them to a household hazardous waste facility. Car batteries are accepted there too.
Can I throw AA, AAA or 9-volt batteries in the trash in Seattle?
All batteries, including single-use alkaline, button cells, silver oxide and zinc air, are banned from the garbage. Special Item Pickup takes AA, AAA, C, D and button batteries: your first pickup each year is free (call 206-684-3000 to order it), then it's $5 per pickup, up to two 1-gallon bags.
What do I do with lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries in Seattle?
Lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium and other rechargeable batteries are banned from the garbage. Removable rechargeables, like power-tool batteries, can go in a Special Item Pickup. E-bike and e-scooter batteries can't.
How do I get rid of a car battery in Seattle?
Car batteries aren't included in Special Item Pickup. The region's household hazardous waste facilities accept vehicle batteries.
How should I pack batteries for disposal?
Tape the ends of each battery to prevent fires, and put rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries in separate bags.
Where can I drop off batteries in Seattle?
Household hazardous waste facilities accept alkaline, button, rechargeable and vehicle batteries. SPU's Where Does It Go tool lists other drop-off options.