Disposing of Batteries Safely

All batteries are hazardous due to metals and acids. Do not throw them in the trash.

Residents of Austin and Travis County can bring all types of batteries to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility for safe disposal and/or recycling. In many cases, the metals can be extracted and recycled.

Car Batteries: Alternative Drop Off

• Most places that sell car batteries will also accept them for recycling. There may be a fee for this service.
• A metal recycler may pay you for your car battery. Look in the yellow pages under "Recycling Centers" for a list of recyclers.

Household Batteries: Alternative Drop Off

There are a number of locations around town to drop off household batteries free of charge, including alkaline, nickel cadmium (Nicad), rechargeable, watch, camera, cell phone, lap top and other, similar batteries. These locations do not accept car batteries.

Because these locations change on a regular basis, Solid Waste Services does not list them on its web site. Please call the Household Hazardous Waste Facility at (512) 974-4343 or send an email to find out the location closest to you currently accepting batteries.