Batteries power our daily lives, whether we realize it or not. They help us power through daily chores and activities, stay connected with one another, and they can even help shine a light on some dark situations. In fact—nearly every electronic device that we own has a battery that requires proper handling. And whether your batteries are single-use alkaline, rechargable, or lithium-ion—they all eventually reach the end of their life.
It’s time to take charge of your battery disposal and learn how you can help make a positive environmental impact with your actions.
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WHY DOES PROPER BATTERY DISPOSAL MATTER?
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Batteries that find their way into our black garbage carts end up in our local landfill. After a little time, they can corrode and allow harmful chemicals to leach into the soil and make their way into our water supply.
Batteries can also cause landfill fires which release toxic chemicals into the air, leading to potential health problems for anyone who inhales those fumes. Help make a positive impact on our environment by not disposing of used batteries in your garbage. Instead, explore the different battery disposal methods below.
DID YOU KNOW 3 billion batteries are thrown away and end up in landfills every year?
SAFETY IMPACT
DID YOU KNOW chemicals in batteries can cause everything from serious skin irritation to cancer?
Batteries that end up in our blue recycling carts are brought to the Shoreway Environmental Center. In 2016 a battery started a 4-alarm fire that closed the facility for months and caused millions of dollars in damages.
In fact, lithium-ion batteries have caused concerns for many consumer products such as cell phones, laptops, and headphones that explode or catch on fire. Properly disposing of your batteries and taping your battery terminals can help keep your home and community safe.
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Which types of batteries should I be on the look out for?
Alkaline batteries are your basic AA, AAA, C, D and 9-volt single-use batteries. They are commonly found in toys, remotes, and flashlights. Most button cell and coin cell batteries have a long shelf-life. They are found in watches, hearing aids, greeting cards, and car fobs. Ni-MH (Nickel Metal Hydride) batteries can be recharged up to 1,000 times. They are commonly found in cordless power drills, digital cameras, and cordless phones. Ni-Cd (Nickel Cadmium) batteries are the least expensive of the rechargeable batteries and can be recharged up to 1,000 times. They are often found in cordless power drills, digital cameras, and cordless phones. “Lithium” or “lithium cell” batteries are non-rechargeable and long-lasting, but react violently with water. They may be found in pacemakers, alarms, watches, and remote car locks. “Lithium-ion” or “lithium polymer (Li-Po)” batteries are rechargeable and highly flammable if they short circuit. You’ll find these batteries in cell phones, laptops, power tools, and digital cameras.
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OPTIONS FOR PROPER BATTERY DISPOSAL AVAILABLE TO YOU
I am a resident that lives in a home that participates in the 3-cart curbside program
Residents that live in a single-family home, townhome, duplex, triplex or an apartment or condominium building with 4 units or less and participate in the curbside pickup program have an easy, simple, and FREE way to properly dispose of your household batteries.
 | STEP 1: COLLECT IT! Do you have used batteries collecting in a drawer somewhere in your home? Collect ALL your household batteries that no longer carry a charge. |
 | STEP 2: TAPE IT! Prevent battery fires by taping over lithium-ion and 9-volt battery terminals with clear tape. The terminals, or exposed metal parts, of certain batteries can rub together creating a spark. |
 | STEP 3: BAG IT! Put all your batteries into a clear plastic zip-top bag. Properly seal the bag to ensure no batteries fall out. |
 | STEP 4: PLACE IT! Place the sealed bag on top of your black garbage cart on your regular collection day. The Recology San Mateo County collection team will take the batteries for proper and safe disposal. |
Which batteries are and aren’t accepted in curbside collection program?
We will accept all single-use, rechargeable, and lithium-ion household batteries. Lead acid and car batteries are not accepted. These should be taken to Shoreway Environmental Center or San Mateo County’s Household Hazardous Waste Program.
Battery Collection Locations
There are also over 20 convenient and free drop-off locations within the RethinkWaste service area where you can take your household batteries. See the map below. Please call the location before heading out to make sure they are open and if there is a limit.
I am a resident that lives in an apartment or condominium building with 5 units or more
Residents that live in an apartment or condominium with 5 units or more have 3 free and simple options available for safe and proper battery disposal.
OPTION #1: Orange battery buckets
Some apartments or condominiums participate in our battery bucket program. These orange buckets, as pictured below, are normally found in common areas such as a lobby, multi-use room, mailroom, or club house. To use it, follow the below easy and simple steps:
| STEP 1: COLLECT IT! Do you have used batteries collecting in a drawer somewhere in your home? Collect ALL your household batteries that no longer carry a charge. |
| STEP 2: TAPE IT! Prevent battery fires by taping over lithium-ion and 9-volt battery terminals with clear tape. The terminals, or exposed metal parts, of certain batteries can rub together creating a spark. |
| STEP 3: BAG IT! Put all your batteries into a clear plastic zip-top bag. Properly seal the bag to ensure no batteries fall out. |
 | STEP 4: PLACE IT! Place the sealed bag in your orange bucket. |
No Bucket? No Problem!
If you don’t see one at your location, ask your property manager or owner to get a bucket for your building(s) from Recology San Mateo County for free! Please note that only property managers/owners can request a bucket and coordinate pickups.
OPTION #2: Battery Drop-Off
There are over 20 convenient and free drop-off locations within the RethinkWaste service area. See the map below. Please call the location before heading out to make sure they are open and if there is a limit.
OPTION #3: San Mateo County’s Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Program
Dispose of all your toxic waste (including your batteries) with the County. Click here for a list of all accepted HHW items. San Mateo County’s HHW Program is a free recycling and disposal service for all County residents by appointment only. To participate, you must schedule an appointment at smchealth.org/hhw or call (650) 363-4718, select option 3. Note: All San Mateo County Household Hazardous Waste events are cancelled for the duration of San Mateo County’s Health Order plus additional time once the order is lifted.
WHY ARE BATTERIES CONSIDERED HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE?
Used batteries can still hold a charge which classifies them as household hazardous waste.
Household hazardous waste are items that contain chemicals. If these products are handled or disposed of incorrectly they can contaminate our soil, drinking water, and air. They can also pose a threat to human health, animals, and the environment. In California, it is illegal to dispose of household hazardous waste in the garbage or recycling, down the drain, or by abandonment. This includes your household batteries listed above.
DID YOU KNOW 5.8 lithium-ion batteries are found improperly disposed of on the recycling sort line every hour?
Battery FAQs
We’ve received lots of battery related questions and wanted to share the answers with our RethinkWaste community. Click here to find the battery answers you’ve been looking for.
 | Why is taping battery terminals helpful?Bagging and taping batteries helps 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.
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Ask The Battery Expert
Have a battery question that’s not listed above? Get answers by asking our battery expert. Simply fill out the form below!