Recycling & Waste

Batteries (All Types)

Definition

This post refers to all types of batteries, including single-use and rechargeable batteries.

• Information on car batteries
• Video: Be a battery hero

Legal Considerations

It is illegal to put vehicle batteries and rechargeable batteries in the trash.

Disposal

Do not put batteries in your curbside recycling. Bring all types of batteries to the household hazardous waste collection sites for free. Follow these steps to prepare batteries:

1. Put a small piece of clear tape over the positive and negative ends of each battery. Use clear tape so staff can see the battery type. Do not use masking or painters tape. Alkaline (common, single-use) batteries don’t require taping, but if you’re not sure what type of battery you have, tape it anyway.
2. Place taped batteries in a plastic tub with a loose-fitting lid. Store the batteries in a cool, dry location that is out of reach of children until you are ready to recycle them.
3. Bring batteries to the household hazardous waste collection sites for free.

Other disposal options

• Some cities accept batteries at their clean-up events. Check with your city for more information.
• Call2Recycle - resource to find additional drop-off locations (for rechargeable batteries, single-use batteries and cell phones only).
• You can also bring batteries to the disposal company listed below. Call to verify items accepted, hours and fees.

Alkaline (common, single-use) batteries

• Common alkaline batteries are acceptable to throw in the trash.
• However, they are easily confused with other types of batteries, like rechargeable batteries and lithium batteries, which can cause fires in the trash or recycling.
• With so many different types of batteries in use these days, Ramsey County encourages residents to bring all batteries to drop-off sites for safe disposal.

Disposal Companies

Recycle

Do not put batteries of any kind in your curbside recycling bin.