Battery Disposal

Important Note - NEVER throw batteries in the garbage! Batteries can explode when heated, burned or damaged. Chemicals released due to battery leakage or explosion can cause internal or external irritation or burns. Environmental pollution of air and water from the release of toxic heavy metals when incinerated or disposed of in unlined landfills. Store all household batteries out of reach of children and pets and away from sources of heat.

Batteries accepted (see preparation notes)

• Alkaline batteries
• 6-volt batteries
• 9-volt batteries 
• Button cell batteries 
• Rechargeable batteries 
• Lithium batteries
• Laptop and cell phone batteries 

Batteries NOT accepted

• Batteries that do not fit in the 1-quart bag 
• Battery back-up (UPS) units 
• Lead-acid batteries (ex. vehicle batteries) 
• Batteries that are corroded

REQUIRED preparation for collection: 

If not prepared properly, or if unaccepted batteries are included in the zip top bag, batteries will not be collected.

Taping the end of certain types of batteries helps prevent fires. When in doubt of whether or not to tape, go ahead and tape. 

• Put clear tape on both ends of:
  • Button Cell
  • Rechargable (NiMH, NiCD, etc.)
  • Lithium/lithium-ion
  • Battery packs (laptop, cell phone, etc.) 
• Do not need to tape:
  • Alkaline (AAA-D)
  • Carbon Zinc
  • 6- & 9- volt

Bagging:

• Place batteries in a 1-quart, zip-sealed clear plastic bag. Zip closed.
• Set the clear, zip sealed bag of batteries on top of any glass in your glass bin.
• Limit of a single 1-quart bag per pickup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why do batteries require special preparation to recycle? 

• Separating and taping the ends of certain batteries reduces the risk of sparking a fire in a collection truck or at a transfer station as batteries rub against other batteries, metals or flammable materials. Bagging batteries keeps them from getting into places they shouldn't be. Although batteries have not been on the list of items that can be recycled, some people have placed them in recycling carts in hopes the material could be recycled, or thinking that batteries are made of metal and many items on the recycling list are metal. This practice is called “wishful recycling”.  

Q. Can the batteries be placed in an open container like a coffee can?

• No. The batteries need to be in a 1-quart clear sealed plastic bag for the safety of our recycling collectors. 

Q. I have one recycling cart, not a specific glass bin. Do I put my batteries in my cart?

• No. Properly prepared batteries should only be placed with your glass in your glass bin. It is important for batteries to be collected separately to reduce the risk of fire. If you don’t have a glass bin, please call Republic Services (503-981-1278) to have a glass bin delivered to you.

Q. Can I recycle my corroding batteries?

• Take your corroding, bulging or leaking batteries to a hazardous waste collection facility. Take lead acid batteries (automobile or motorcycle) to a battery shop. Locally, businesses like Batteries Plus may recycle these for a small fee. Use Metro's Find A Recycler website for more information. 

Q. My batteries weren’t picked up, what should I do now?

• Make certain the batteries are in a clear sealed bag and prepared properly. Sometimes there can be issues when new initiatives begin. Make sure you have included only accepted batteries. If your batteries aren’t being picked-up please call Republic Services (503-981-1278). 

Q. What happens to recycled batteries? 

• Recycled batteries can become products like rubber, paint or ceramics. The metal from old batteries can become everyday household products like silverware, pots and pans, nails and new batteries!

Q. I live in an apartment building, condo or mobile home community?

• Currently, this program is designed for single family recycling at this time. You can take batteries to a household hazardous waste facility, battery store or home improvement store. Find details at Metro’s Recycling Information Center at 503-234-3000 or use the Find A Recycler website to learn where you can drop off batteries and other materials for reuse and recycling.

Q. Can the rechargeable batteries from vape pens be recycled?

• If the battery cartridge is replaceable, it can be included with the ends taped. Never remove embedded or built-in rechargeable batteries. Some rechargeable batteries are not designed or intended to be removed. Check the manufacturer instructions for disposal.