Curbside GuideHow to get rid of batteries in Sunnyvale, CA
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Quick answer
Batteries are listed as household hazardous waste and cannot go in the garbage. Schedule a free Santa Clara County HHW drop-off appointment (Fridays and Saturdays, excluding holidays) online or at 408-299-7300.
- Household Batteries appear on the City's …
- Lithium-ion Treat lithium and rechargeable …
- Car battery Use the same County HHW appoint…
- Drop-off Santa Clara County weekly HHW d…
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- Household (AA, AAA, 9V)
- Batteries appear on the City's hazardous-waste examples table. Use the weekly County HHW drop-off events (appointment required).
- Lithium-ion & rechargeable
- Treat lithium and rechargeable batteries as HHW — appointment drop-off only, not garbage or recycling carts.
- Car (lead-acid)
- Use the same County HHW appointment program for automotive batteries unless the scheduler directs you elsewhere; confirm when you book at 408-299-7300.
- Fire safety / packing
- An appointment is required for all drop-off events. Bring proof of residency as the County requires.
- Drop-off
- Santa Clara County weekly HHW drop-offs (Fri–Sat, excluding holidays). Schedule at 408-299-7300 or online via the City's Household Hazardous Waste page.
- Tip
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Official source: www.sunnyvale.ca.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 Sunnyvale?
Batteries are listed as household hazardous waste and cannot go in the garbage. Schedule a free Santa Clara County HHW drop-off appointment (Fridays and Saturdays, excluding holidays) online or at 408-299-7300.
Can I throw AA, AAA or 9-volt batteries in the trash in Sunnyvale?
Batteries appear on the City's hazardous-waste examples table. Use the weekly County HHW drop-off events (appointment required).
What do I do with lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries in Sunnyvale?
Treat lithium and rechargeable batteries as HHW — appointment drop-off only, not garbage or recycling carts.
How do I get rid of a car battery in Sunnyvale?
Use the same County HHW appointment program for automotive batteries unless the scheduler directs you elsewhere; confirm when you book at 408-299-7300.
How should I pack batteries for disposal?
An appointment is required for all drop-off events. Bring proof of residency as the County requires.
Where can I drop off batteries in Sunnyvale?
Santa Clara County weekly HHW drop-offs (Fri–Sat, excluding holidays). Schedule at 408-299-7300 or online via the City's Household Hazardous Waste page.