Thank you, Portlanders!
In just one year, over 20 tons of household batteries have been safely collected and recycled through the city’s new curbside battery collection program.
20 tons may sound abstract, so to put it in perspective, that’s the weight of:
4 adult elephants
100 grand pianos
5,000 cats (very unhappy about being weighed)
That’s 20 tons of batteries not sitting in landfills—or worse, sparking fires in garbage and recycling trucks or facilities.
Why curbside battery recycling matters
Batteries—especially lithium-ion ones found in rechargeable devices—can catch fire if crushed, punctured, or exposed to heat. When tossed in the garbage or regular recycling bin, they pose a serious risk to garbage truck drivers, recycling workers, and the environment.
See what happens when batteries spark, explode, and start fires at recycling and waste facilities.
How to recycle batteries
If you live in a house, duplex, triplex, or fourplex you can set out batteries with your curbside glass recycling:
Tape (some) batteries: Look for a label on the battery. If it says “alkaline,” the battery can go right into a one-quart bag with no tape needed. If you do not see “alkaline,” tape both ends of the battery with clear tape before putting it into the bag.
Bag: Put all the batteries in a clear, one-quart, zip-sealed bag.
Set out with glass: Place the bag of batteries in your glass recycling bin. Set it on top of the glass so the waste collection driver sees it.
If you live in an apartment or have batteries at your workplace, find battery recycling drop-off or mail-in options by contacting Metro’s Recycling Information Center Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 503-234-3000.
What types of batteries are allowed?
Any battery that fits in a 1-quart, zip-sealed plastic bag. This includes:
AAA, AA, C, D, button-cell & coin, 6V, and 9V batteries
Rechargeable and single-use batteries
Batteries labeled Alkaline
Batteries labeled Lithium, Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Nickel Zinc (Ni-Zn)
Small batteries that can be easily removed (old cell phones, cameras, etc.)
Small tool batteries that fit in a sealed 1-quart bag
What’s NOT allowed
These batteries must be taken to drop-off facilities for safe recycling or disposal.
Batteries that do not fit in a 1-quart bag
Vape pens, e-cigarettes
Items with embedded or built-in batteries
Cell phones, laptops, tablets
Wireless headphones, Bluetooth speakers, fitness watches/bands, electric toothbrushes, reading lights, etc.
Anything that makes noise, lights up, heats up, or moves, and does not plug into a wall, has a battery.
For your safety, do not attempt to remove batteries that are not easily removed.
Keep it going!
We know it takes extra effort to tape and bag batteries for curbside pickup or drop them off for safe disposal and your effort makes a difference.
You're helping prevent dangerous fires, protect workers, and reduce toxic chemical exposure. You're also helping recover valuable materials that can be recycled into new products, reducing the need for mining and protecting our environment.
Learn more about curbside battery collection
Find more information about battery recycling in Portland, including why it matters and what to do with batteries that aren't collected at the curb.
If you live outside of Portland, look at your city or county’s website. Many collection services in the greater Portland area offer residential curbside battery collection including Clackamas County, much of Washington County, and Gresham.