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Household batteries that end up in the trash or recycling cart can spark fires in trucks and facilities. By disposing of batteries the right way, you help protect workers, neighbors, and the environment.
Battery Drop-Off
You can properly dispose of household batteries for free at:
Metro South Household Hazardous Waste Facility
2001 Washington St., Oregon City
For more locations, call 503-234-3000 or use Metro’s What Goes Where tool.
Multifamily residents (those living in apartments, condos, etc.) do not yet have curbside battery collection. Clackamas County is working with local collectors to develop a safe option.
Have friends or family with a glass bin? Ask to use theirs and be sure to follow the instructions below.
Curbside Battery Collection (Single-Family Homes)
Battery recycling is now part of regular residential garbage and recycling service for all single-family homes in Clackamas County. Discarded batteries can spark and cause fires when not handled properly, creating dangerous situations for garbage and recycling truck drivers, processing facilities, and our communities. Follow these three important steps below to safely recycle/dispose of batteries in your glass bin.
Batteries Accepted
AAA, AA, C, D, button-cell & coin, 6- & 9-volt batteries
Rechargeable and single-use batteries
Batteries that can be easily removed (e.g. from old cell phones, cameras, etc.)
Batteries NOT Accepted
Batteries that do not fit in a 1 qt. zip-seal bag
Damaged, corroded, or bulging batteries
Embedded or built-in batteries - those that are not easily removable from their products (e.g. electric toothbrush, wireless headphones, Bluetooth speakers, fitness watches/bands, vape pens, etc.)
How to Prepare Batteries for Pickup
1. Tape ends of all batteries, except alkaline, with clear tape
- Can’t tell what type of battery it is? Tape it.
- For coin/button cell batteries, wrap tape around the entire battery. If you have multiple hearing aid or other coin/button cell batteries, save time by laying out a long strip of packing tape, place the batteries on the tape—be sure not to let them touch each other—and then place another long strip of tape on top.
2. Bag all batteries in a 1 qt. zip-seal clear plastic bag
- Zip-seal clear plastic bags smaller than 1 qt. are accepted.
- Bags larger than 1 qt. are not allowed.
3. Set on top of glass in the glass bin
- Set out on your regular garbage day. (Note: It is best practice to set your glass bin out only when it is at least half-full.)
- Limit of a single 1 qt. bag per pickup.
- Missing a glass bin? Contact your garbage and recycling company.
Safety Tips
Damaged (or corroded, bulging, leaking) batteries must be taken to a household hazardous waste facility. Never put damaged batteries in the trash or curbside battery recycling program.
- Place damaged batteries in a small plastic bag with absorbent, nonflammable materials, such as kitty litter, sand, or dry rice. For extra safety, place this bag into a metal can, like an old soup can.
- Take to a Household Hazardous Waste Facility for safe disposal (Call 503-234-3000 Monday-Friday, 8:30am – 5pm, for phone assistance).
Never remove embedded or built-in rechargeable batteries. If a battery doesn’t come out easily, take the whole device to a drop-off facility. Call Metro’s Recycling Information Center at 503-234-3000 on Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. or search What Goes Where for recycling options.
Why Proper Disposal Matters
- Prevent fires: Battery-caused fires in garbage trucks and facilities are increasing and endanger workers and communities.
- Avoid toxic exposure: Batteries contain chemicals harmful to people, animals, and the environment.
- Support recycling: Metals and materials from batteries can be turned into new batteries, stainless steel, and asphalt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the batteries be placed in an open container like a coffee can?
No. The batteries need to be in a 1-quart clear sealed plastic bag for the safety of our recycling collectors.
I have one recycling cart, not a specific glass bin. Do I put my batteries in my cart?
No. Properly prepared batteries should only be placed with your glass in your glass bin. It is important for batteries to be collected separately to reduce the risk of fire.
If you don’t have a glass bin, you can place your bag of batteries and glass in a plastic crate or bucket next to your recycling cart for pickup. Please call your collector to have a glass bin delivered to you.
Glass should not be placed in your recycling cart as it reduces the value of materials when it breaks in the recycling truck and gets mixed in with the other materials. If you don’t know your collector, check our Garbage and Recycling Companies page.
Can the rechargeable batteries from vape pens be recycled?
If the battery cartridge is replaceable, it can be included with the ends taped. Never remove embedded or built-in rechargeable batteries. Some rechargeable batteries are not designed or intended to be removed. Check the manufacturer instructions for disposal. For additional questions for rechargeable batteries, contact Metro’s Recycling Information Center at 503-234-3000 or use the Find a Recycler tool.
Can I recycle my corroding batteries?
Take your corroding, bulging or leaking batteries to a hazardous waste collection facility. Take lead acid batteries (automobile or motorcycle) to a battery shop.
My batteries weren’t picked up, what should I do now?
Make certain the batteries are in a clear sealed bag and prepared properly. Sometimes there can be issues when new initiatives begin. If your batteries aren’t being picked-up please call your collector. If you don’t know your collector, check our Garbage and Recycling Companies page.
What if I live in an apartment, condo, or mobile home community and don’t have my own glass bin?
This program is designed for single-family recycling at this time. You can take batteries to a household hazardous waste facility, battery store or home improvement store. Find details at Metro’s Recycling Information Center at 503-234-3000 or use Metro’s What Goes Where tool to learn where you can drop off batteries and other materials for reuse and recycling.
Battery PSAs
These Public Service Announcements (PSAs) are short videos that educate the public about the importance of disposing of batteries properly and help spread awareness so we can keep our communities safe.
- Help Keep Everyone Safe - Dispose of Your Batteries Right
Ayude a mantener a todos seguros - Recicle sus pilas correctamente (video en español) - Recycle Your Batteries Properly - Help Keep Everyone Safe
Recicle sus pilas correctamente - Ayude a mantener a todos seguros (video en español) - Reduce Fires - Dispose of Batteries Properly
Reduzca los incendios - Recicle sus pilas correctamente (video en español) - 3 easy steps to recycle batteries curbside
Recicle pilas en casas unifamiliares con 3 sencillos pasos (video en español)
More Ways to Get Help
- Recycle Guides: Available in seven languages
- What Goes Where: Search recycling, reuse, and disposal options for hundreds of items
- Metro Recycling Information Center: 503-234-3000
- Recycle or Not (Instagram):@recycleornot / @ReciclarONo
- Recycle or Not game: Test your recycling knowledge (en español: juege ReciclarONo)
