Curbside GuideHow to get rid of batteries in Tucson, AZ
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City of Tucson says alkaline batteries can go in household trash. Bring other batteries to Los Reales or a monthly HHW drop-off (second Saturday each month).
- Household Alkaline batteries CAN go in yo…
- Lithium-ion Do not throw lithium-ion or rec…
- Car battery Auto batteries are accepted thr…
- Drop-off Los Reales Sustainability Campu…
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- Household (AA, AAA, 9V)
- Alkaline batteries CAN go in your household trash.
- Lithium-ion & rechargeable
- Do not throw lithium-ion or rechargeable batteries in trash or recycling — take them to Los Reales or a monthly City HHW event. Damaged lithium batteries can cause fires; call 911 if a battery smokes or ignites.
- Car (lead-acid)
- Auto batteries are accepted through Tucson's Household Hazardous Waste program (Los Reales / monthly events).
- Fire safety / packing
- Store batteries away from extreme heat or cold. Use The Battery Network locator for trusted drop-offs.
- Drop-off
- Los Reales Sustainability Campus HHW, or City monthly drop-offs on the second Saturday of each month. Call 311 for details.
- Tip
- Fires from e-bike and scooter lithium batteries are rising — never put damaged lithium packs in the cart.
Official source: www.tucsonaz.gov · www.tucsonaz.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 Tucson?
City of Tucson says alkaline batteries can go in household trash. Bring other batteries to Los Reales or a monthly HHW drop-off (second Saturday each month).
Can I throw AA, AAA or 9-volt batteries in the trash in Tucson?
Alkaline batteries CAN go in your household trash.
What do I do with lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries in Tucson?
Do not throw lithium-ion or rechargeable batteries in trash or recycling — take them to Los Reales or a monthly City HHW event. Damaged lithium batteries can cause fires; call 911 if a battery smokes or ignites.
How do I get rid of a car battery in Tucson?
Auto batteries are accepted through Tucson's Household Hazardous Waste program (Los Reales / monthly events).
How should I pack batteries for disposal?
Store batteries away from extreme heat or cold. Use The Battery Network locator for trusted drop-offs.
Where can I drop off batteries in Tucson?
Los Reales Sustainability Campus HHW, or City monthly drop-offs on the second Saturday of each month. Call 311 for details.