Austin Battery Recycling: Safe Drop-Off Options

Austin battery recycling: where to take them

Austin battery recycling starts with one rule from the city: batteries do not go in the trash cart, the blue cart, or the compost cart. A crushed lithium cell can start a fire in a truck. Tape the ends of lithium and button cells, or put each one in its own small bag, before you carry them.

Three local options are published by Austin Resource Recovery. Many library branches take household batteries. The Recycle and Reuse Center takes car batteries and household batteries by appointment. Curbside customers can also book an on-demand hazardous-waste pickup, which includes batteries. The city says customers can schedule that pickup through the Austin Recycles app, online, or at 3-1-1.

Austin battery recycling for a car battery is a center visit, not a library visit. Call ahead if the battery is leaking. Details are on the city battery page.

Austin battery recycling mistakes

Do not toss batteries into a dumpster. Do not hide them in a box of paper. Do not drop a propane cylinder in the same bag. Paint, bulbs, and cleaners belong with Austin hazardous waste drop off.

Phones and laptops are a different load. Use Austin electronics recycling for the device, and keep loose cells with austin battery recycling.

If you cannot reach a library, book the Austin recycle and reuse center. That one appointment can clear batteries, bulbs, and leftover chemicals together.