New! How to Recycle Batteries in Your Glass Bin

Batteries can spark and cause fires when not handled properly. Never put them in trash or your blue recycling cart. Follow the instructions below to safely recycle batteries with your glass.

Who has Curbside battery collection?

As of June 2024, this service is available to single-family households in the below communities.

  • All Clackamas County and cities within

  • All Washington County and cities within except Gaston

  • City of Gresham

  • City of Portland (starts June 10, 2024)

Don’t live in a single-family household or are a business? Call Metro’s Recycling Information Center at 503-234-3000 Monday-Friday, 8:30-5pm or search Find a Recycler for battery recycling options.

What batteries are accepted curbside?

YES NO
Any battery that can fit into a 1-quart plastic bag, including:
  • AAA, AA, C, D, button-cell & coin, 6 & 9 volt batteries. 
  • Rechargeable and single-use batteries. 
  • Batteries that can be easily removed (old cell phones, cameras, etc.) 
  • Batteries that do not fit in a sealed 1-quart bag 
  • Damaged, corroded, or bulging batteries 
  • Items with embedded batteries (cell phones, fitness bands, wireless devices, electric toothbrushes, etc.) 
  • Vape pens / e-cigarettes

Have batteries that are not accepted curbside? Call Metro’s Recycling Information Center at 503-234-3000 Monday-Friday, 8:30-5pm or search Find a Recycler for recycling options.

How do you prepare batteries for curbside collection? 

  1. Tape

    • Any battery not labeled alkaline must have both ends taped with clear tape. Clear tape allows recycling companies to see the battery type and recycle it safely.

    • Can’t tell what type of battery it is? When in doubt, tape it. 

    • For button and coin-shaped batteries, wrap tape around the entire battery, or sandwich a few batteries between two layers of tape (leave space between each battery).

  2. Bag

    • Place batteries in a 1-quart, clear, zip-sealed plastic bag.  

  3. Bin

    • Put the bag in your glass bin, on top of the glass so the driver will see it. 

Why does proper disposal of batteries matter? 

Prevent fires: Batteries can spark and cause fires. Battery-caused fires in garbage trucks and waste processing facilities have increased dramatically in recent years. These fires put workers’ lives in danger and can cost millions of dollars in damage. To prevent fires, batteries must be collected separately from other waste and the batteries that are most likely to cause fires must be taped.

Avoid harm from toxic chemicals: Many batteries contain materials that, if not disposed of properly, can be harmful to people, animals, and the environment.  By collecting batteries separately, we can ensure safe handling, disposal, and recycling.

Recycle batteries into new things: Batteries contain metal, plastic, and other materials that can be used to make new products. Old batteries are recycled into new batteries, as well as stainless steel and even road asphalt. Recycling these materials reduces the negative impacts of producing new products on our air, water, and climate.


Where else can I dispose of batteries?

Do you live in an apartment or are a business where this service is not offered? Have batteries that are not accepted in the program? Below are some options for you.

Remember: never put batteries in the garbage or mixed recycling. They can spark and cause fires if not handled properly. 

Ask Metro to find locations near you:

  • Search Find a Recycler. 

  • If you don’t find your item in the search tool, or if you’d rather talk with someone, call Metro’s Recycling Information Center at 503-234-3000 Monday-Friday, 8:30-5 pm or submit a question online.  

Or go to one of these drop-off locations: 

  • Metro’s transfer stations, which can accept almost all types of batteries and thing with batteries in them, either for recycling or disposal as hazardous waste, for free. There are two locations: Northwest Portland and Oregon City. 

  • Neighborhood hazardous waste collection events: Mark your calendar for a hazardous waste drop off event coming to your neighborhood in Spring or Fall to drop off batteries for free. 

  • BatteriesPlus stores (for a fee): These stores accept all types of small, household batteries. There is charge per pound for battery recycling, based on battery type. Call ahead to ask the current cost and if they offer any free battery recycling if you make a purchase. 

How do I Safely manage batteries?

Damaged, corroded, bulging, or leaking batteries must be taken to a hazardous waste facility. Never put damaged batteries in the trash or the curbside battery recycling program.  

  1. Place damaged batteries in a small plastic bag with absorbent, nonflammable material such as kitty litter, sand, or dry rice. For extra safety, put this bag into a metal can, like an old soup can.  

  2. Take to a Household Hazardous Waste Facility for safe disposal (Call 503-234-3000 for phone assistance, Monday-Friday, 8:30-5pm.). 

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 Monday-Friday, 8:30-5pm or search Find a Recycler for recycling options.

Serving the Portland metro region in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties.