Ask The Battery Expert - RethinkWaste

Have a battery disposal question? Get answers by asking our RethinkWaste battery expert using the form below. This form is intended to answer any questions about how to properly dispose of your batteries in the RethinkWaste service area. If you have questions outside our service area, please direct them to your local city or county.

X/Twitter
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name*
First Last
Email*
City / Zip*
City ZIP Code
Your Battery Disposal Question(s):*
Please keep your questions for how to properly dispose of batteries in the RethinkWaste service area.
Would you like to subscribe to our Rethinker e-newsletter for useful information on recycling, composting, and managing or reducing your waste?*
- Yes! Please sign me up.
- No, thanks. Maybe some other time.

Before you hit submit, check out our battery FAQs below!
Note that these FAQs are for residents living in the RethinkWaste service area only. Please consult your local city, county or waste hauler for specific questions about proper battery disposal.

What types of bags can I put my batteries in?

You may place your used batteries in any clear zip-top bag.

Why can’t I place my batteries with my other recyclables?

Batteries contain materials/metals that can be recycled, but not in the normal way your blue cart materials are recycled. Since batteries contain chemicals and potentially leftover charge, they must go through a separate process to safely extract the valuable materials inside.

Where can I get additional orange battery bags for the curbside battery program?

For Recology San Mateo County’s curbside battery collection program, you may use any clear zip-top bag to place your household batteries in.

If you would like to use the orange collection bags, click here for a list of locations where you may pick one up. Please check with the location to see if it is open first.

Why is taping battery terminals helpful?

Bagging and taping batteries is helpful because covering the terminals prevents batteries from rubbing together and creating a spark. Residents should tape terminals with clear tape and store batteries in a plastic bag before proper disposal. See how to properly tape your used batteries in the video below.

Why do I have to use clear tape to tape my battery terminals?

Clear tape (like the small rolls you use at home or packaging tape) is essential for our team to properly sort the different battery types. Because there are quite a few different types of batteries that need to be sorted by chemistry make up, clear tape allows us to read the various labels and ensure the correct battery gets placed with its friends. Dark tape like electrical or duct tape would prevent us from reading the labels clearly.

Which batteries are the most dangerous?

Lithium-ion batteries contain more power than other batteries and are delicately packaged. When damaged, the battery can short out, heat up, and catch on fire as seen in the video below. Click here to learn more about lithium batteries and the types of products they can be found in.

Watch a lithium ion battery catch fire under pressure.

What do I do with my lead-acid batteries from cars or computers?

Lead-acid batteries are accepted at the Shoreway Public Recycling Center for proper disposal.

What are the most common products that people mistakenly think don’t have batteries but actually do?

Some of the most common items that people forget have batteries are the smaller everyday things that have lights such as light-up or musical greeting cards, light-up shoes, and even light-up pens. If you’re not sure whether a product has a battery, a good rule of thumb is to remember that nearly every electronic device that has an on/off switch, makes sounds, or has lights, has a battery.

Where do batteries go and what happens to them?

Batteries that are properly collected get sent to a third-party that sorts the batteries by type and then they safely extract the valuable metals inside.

Are rechargeable batteries better than single-use batteries?

Rechargeable batteries are reusable, resulting in reduced waste and cost. However, reusable batteries contain more chemicals than single-use alkaline batteries, so you must remember to handle them with care.