Learn how Hillsborough County makes it easy to discard batteries and protect the community
National Battery Day is celebrated on Feb. 18 each year, and honors the invention of the electric battery in 1745, marking the importance of batteries in our daily lives.
While batteries keep devices powered, it's important to know how to dispose of them safely when they no longer work. Improper disposal can create safety hazards and harm the environment.
Hillsborough County residents can drop off household batteries for free at participating retail locations with take-back programs, or at the County's five Community Collection Centers (CCCs) and three monthly Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection events.
Accepted items include
- Lead-acid batteries (cars, motorcycles, golf carts, lawn mowers, boats)
- Loose batteries 12 inches or smaller (Rechargeable: Lithium-ion, Ni-Cd, NiMH; single-use lithium batteries, power tool batteries).
Electronic devices with built-in rechargeable batteries, such as cellphones, tablets, laptops, and smartwatches, can only be brought to CCCs. Do not attempt to remove or dismantle these batteries. Electronics are not accepted at HHW events.
Important safety tips
- Never throw away lithium-ion batteries in household trash cans or recycling bins. When damaged, they can easily catch fire, injuring workers and damaging trucks and facilities.
- Before dropping off batteries, tape the terminals or place each battery in an individual plastic bag.
- Batteries power our lives. Let's power a safer community by discarding of them properly.
For more details, visit HCFL.gov/batteries.