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Public Health
Seattle & King County
401 5th Ave., Suite 1300
Seattle, WA 98104

Phone: 206-296-4600
TTY Relay: 711

Toll-free: 800-325-6165

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Household battery disposal
  • Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cad), Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), Lithuim Ion (Li-Ion) and small lead batteries under 2 lb. (rechargable) batteries can be recycled free of charge. Go to www.rbrc.com for recycling locations closest to you.

  • The Seattle HHW facilities, the Factoria Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Drop-Off facility and the Wastemobile will accept button size batteries and all lithium batteries. Residents can also bring in their rechargable batteries with their other HHW.
  • King County Wastemobile Schedule

  • In King County, the Factoria HHW Drop-Off facility and the Wastemobile will accept lead batteries larger than 2 lb. (except vehicle batteries) such as those from alarms that are about 4 lb. However, in Seattle take these 4 lb. lead batteries to one of the two Seattle transfer stations:
  • PND Corporation will accept used alkaline (AA, AAA, AAA, AAAA, C and D) batteries. However, they do charge a fee of $0.95 per pound (5/14/08).

    14320 NE 21st St. Ste.6
    Bellevue, WA 98007
    425-562-7252 Fax: 425-562-7254

  • Some suburban cities in King County collect alkaline batteries at their collection and recycling events. Call your suburban city recycling coordinator to check whether this service is available.

  • Alkaline batteries may also be discarded in the garbage.

Types of household batteries:

Household batteries are dry cell batteries like alkaline (AA, AAA, D), nickel -cadmium, small lead, lithium and button cell batteries (see below).

  • Lantern batteries are like a bunch of alkaline batteries packed together.

  • Ni-Cads are found in kitchen appliances, power tools, lighting, and computers. Ni-Cads are rechargeable. Although Ni-Cad batteries are more toxic than alkaline batteries, their longer life service makes them the best choice.

  • Lithium batteries are found in cell phones, computer clocks, headlamps and cameras.

  • Button cells (containing mercury, silver, or zinc) are found in watches, hearing aids, cameras, and calculators.

  • Lead-acid
    • Unsealed Lead-acid batteries are found in cars, motorcycles and marine batteries.
    • Sealed Lead-acid batteries are the same as Gel Cell Batteries.
    • See also: Auto battery recycling