Here’s how to dispose of household batteries

Do you know why you should never put batteries in the regular trash?

Common batteries such as AAA, AA, C, D, and 9-volt, are considered “household hazardous waste” (HHW) and should always be disposed of safely. Batteries are at risk of causing an explosion or catching fire when put in the curbside container, in the collection truck, or at the waste sorting facility.

HHW also includes fluorescent bulbs, chemicals, propane tanks, and other items, which all require proper disposal.

“It’s important to dispose of all household hazardous waste the right way, especially batteries, because a common household battery can pose risk of fires when in close contact with other materials in the container or collection truck, especially during the warmer months,” said Jesa David, spokesperson for the Recycling and Solid Waste Division.

If you are not sure where to recycle batteries or dispose of other waste, you can check the Waste Wizard or use the free SacRecycle app.

The HHW facility accepts batteries, fluorescent bulbs, paint, pesticides and other materials Tuesday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at no charge to residents.

Additionally, there are free local options to drop off household batteries. These locations are free to City of Sacramento residents for battery waste generated at your home (no business waste). Lithium-ion, car batteries and other HHW items are not accepted at these locations.

See below for a list of free single-use battery drop-off locations in Sacramento:

City Hall (915 I Street)
Department of Utilities (1395 35th Avenue)
Belle Cooledge Community Center (5699 South Land Park Drive)
Coloma Community Center (4623 T Street)
Ethel MacLeod Hart Multipurpose Senior Center (915 27th Street)
George Sim Community Center (6207 Logan Street)
Sam and Bonnie Pannell Meadowview Community Center (2450 Meadowview Road)
South Natomas Community Center (2901 Truxel Road)
Oak Park Community Center (3425 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.)
Robertson Community Center (3525 Norwood Avenue)

To reduce battery waste, staff recommend trying to purchase devices that do not require batteries. Some devices can be recharged through normal use or plugged into a power source. You can also purchase rechargeable batteries to replace single-use AAA, AA, C, D and 9-volt batteries.

For more information, please visit sacrecycle.org.