Curbside GuideHow to get rid of batteries in Washington, DC
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Quick answer
Bring batteries to a DPW Special Waste Collection Event (free; register in advance; DC residents only), or use a nearby DOEE battery stewardship drop-off.
- Household Primary (alkaline) batteries ar…
- Lithium-ion Rechargeable and lithium batter…
- Car battery Car batteries aren't listed on …
- Drop-off DPW Special Waste Collection Ev…
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- Household (AA, AAA, 9V)
- Primary (alkaline) batteries are accepted at DPW Special Waste Collection Events.
- Lithium-ion & rechargeable
- Rechargeable and lithium batteries are accepted at the events. Tape the terminals and keep them in a separate container from untaped batteries.
- Car (lead-acid)
- Car batteries aren't listed on DPW's special waste page.
- Fire safety / packing
- Tape terminals (or bag each battery), especially lithium batteries and anything over 9 volts. Flat button cells can go between two layers of tape.
- Drop-off
- DPW Special Waste Collection Events. Register at tinyurl.com/hhw-register, bring proof of residency, and arrive by 2 p.m. Event dates are on DPW's special waste page.
- Tip
- If you only have batteries, DPW points you to DOEE's Battery Stewardship drop-off finder.
Official source: dpw.dc.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 DC?
Bring batteries to a DPW Special Waste Collection Event (free; register in advance; DC residents only), or use a nearby DOEE battery stewardship drop-off.
Can I throw AA, AAA or 9-volt batteries in the trash in DC?
Primary (alkaline) batteries are accepted at DPW Special Waste Collection Events.
What do I do with lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries in DC?
Rechargeable and lithium batteries are accepted at the events. Tape the terminals and keep them in a separate container from untaped batteries.
How do I get rid of a car battery in DC?
Car batteries aren't listed on DPW's special waste page.
How should I pack batteries for disposal?
Tape terminals (or bag each battery), especially lithium batteries and anything over 9 volts. Flat button cells can go between two layers of tape.
Where can I drop off batteries in DC?
DPW Special Waste Collection Events. Register at tinyurl.com/hhw-register, bring proof of residency, and arrive by 2 p.m. Event dates are on DPW's special waste page.