Recycling Batteries

Batteries are essential to our everyday lives, especially with advances in portable technologies like cells phones, iPods, digital cameras and PDAs. As the sale of battery-operated devices has increased, so too has the challenge of disposing of batteries safely.  Fortunately, several opportunities are available to recycle batteries in Thurston County.

For locations that accept batteries, click on the "batteries" link on the Where Do I Take My...page.

Note:  Residents who take batteries to HazoHouse or the WasteMobile must place tape over the contact ends of the batteries, or place each battery in an individual plastic baggie.  This is a requirement of the federal Department of Transportation, which in April 2009 announced stricter safety measures for the ground transportation of batteries for recycling or disposal. Any type of tape can be used.

 

Types of Batteries

Lead-acid batteries are associated with motor vehicles, boats, off-road vehicles, and small-engine equipment.
Alkaline batteries are the most common household batteries used for powering flashlights, small appliances, some personal electronics, and other small electric items. Alkaline batteries are no longer accepted for recycling at Thurston County's HazoHouse or WasteMobile. Click here for other options (select "batteries" from the list of options).
Rechargeable dry-cell batteries are commonly found in power tools, some personal electronic devices, toothbrushes, and cell phones. Many are lageled with the seal shown on the right. Rechargeable batteries include: Ni-Cd, Ni-Mh, Li-ion, small sealed Pb (lead).
Lithium metal batteries are long-lasting batteries that are becoming more popular to use in electronic devices, but they are NOT rechargeable. (Lithium metal batteries are not the same as the rechargeable Li-ion batteries described above.) Many lithium metal batteries may look similar to alkaline batteries or rechargeable dry cell batteries. Look carefully at your battery's label before recycling. Two Olympia businesses may also accept lithium metal batteries, but please call first to verify: Batteries Plus (360-570-0000) on Cooper Point Road in Olympia, or Interstate Batteries (360-438-2747) on Martin Way in Olympia. Thurston County's HazoHouse will accept any type of battery except alkaline batteries (see above).
Uncommon or unique batteries that don't fit in one of the categories above, such as silver oxide, "button batteries," and hearing aid batteries may be accepted at two Olympia businesses: Batteries Plus (360-570-0000) on Cooper Point Road in Olympia, or Interstate Batteries (360-438-2747) on Martin Way in Olympia. Call the business first to verify that it will take your kind of battery. Thurston County's HazoHouse will accept any type of battery except alkaline batteries (see above).