How to get rid of batteries in Tampa, FL

Last updated: November 6, 2026

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Quick answer

Do not put household hazardous waste in Tampa curbside garbage or down the drain. City of Tampa residents may use Hillsborough County HHW collection sites at no extra charge with proof of City residency.

Household City page directs residents to …
Lithium-ion Treat rechargeable and lithium …
Car battery Ask the Hillsborough County HHW…
Drop-off Hillsborough County HHW / Solid…

✓ Last verified: 2026-11-06

Household (AA, AAA, 9V): City page directs residents to Hillsborough County Household Hazardous Waste and Electronic Collection Sites for HHW (EPA definition includes batteries among household hazardous products). Bring a state-issued photo ID with a Hillsborough County residential address / valid driver's license as proof of City residency.
Lithium-ion & rechargeable: Treat rechargeable and lithium batteries as HHW — take them to a County HHW site rather than the trash cart (S.W.E.E.P. also lists HHW as not accepted).
Car (lead-acid): Ask the Hillsborough County HHW site whether automotive batteries are accepted on your visit, or return them to a battery retailer.
Fire safety / packing: Keep batteries out of S.W.E.E.P. piles and carts. Confirm site hours before driving.
Drop-off: Hillsborough County HHW / Solid Waste Facilities per tampa.gov/HHW (City contracted access for Tampa residents).
Tip: City Solid Waste: (813) 274-8811. S.W.E.E.P. does not take HHW or electronics.

Official source: www.tampa.gov · www.tampa.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 Tampa?

Can I throw AA, AAA or 9-volt batteries in the trash in Tampa?

City page directs residents to Hillsborough County Household Hazardous Waste and Electronic Collection Sites for HHW (EPA definition includes batteries among household hazardous products). Bring a state-issued photo ID with a Hillsborough County residential address / valid driver's license as proof of City residency.

What do I do with lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries in Tampa?

Treat rechargeable and lithium batteries as HHW — take them to a County HHW site rather than the trash cart (S.W.E.E.P. also lists HHW as not accepted).

How do I get rid of a car battery in Tampa?

Ask the Hillsborough County HHW site whether automotive batteries are accepted on your visit, or return them to a battery retailer.

How should I pack batteries for disposal?

Keep batteries out of S.W.E.E.P. piles and carts. Confirm site hours before driving.

Where can I drop off batteries in Tampa?

Hillsborough County HHW / Solid Waste Facilities per tampa.gov/HHW (City contracted access for Tampa residents).