Rethink Batteries

For Recology’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. Due to current Shelter-in-Place orders, many local city halls and RethinkWaste and Recology’s administrative offices are closed.

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

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. See how to properly tape your used batteries in the video below.

Watch this short how-to video to learn how to tape your 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

It’s best if you can remove the battery safely from the device. If you cannot, e-waste items with batteries such as laptops, cell phones, and MP3 players can be taken to the Shoreway Public Recycling Center in San Carlos free of charge. Other items with embedded lithium-ion batteries such as toothbrushes, razors, and vape pens should be properly disposed of via San Mateo County’s Household Hazardous Waste Program. You can make an appointment online at smchealth.org/hhw.