Batteries and cell phones both contain toxic materials such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, mercury and many other toxic materials that threaten human health and the environment. In fact, both batteries and cell phones are now classified as Universal Waste and are banned from disposal with garbage and must be handled properly.
Single-family residents in the RethinkWaste service area can now conveniently recycle household batteries and cell phones at the curb! Check out our bill insert on how to properly prepare your batteries and cell phones for reycling.
Want to find out what's the safest way to prepare your old batteries for recycling? Click here for our Zap then Zip Battery Recycling Best Practice.
Batteries and cell phones can also be dropped off at over a dozen collection sites in the RethinkWaste service area, including city halls, community centers, libraries and the RethinkWaste’s Shoreway Recycling and Disposal Center in San Carlos.
The following is a list of locations in the RethinkWaste service where you can drop-off batteries and cell phones for recycling. All locations accept batteries and cell phones, except where noted.
[1] GATHER YOUR BATTERIES This includes all single-use, rechargeable, button cell and 9-volt batteries. You can also recycle your old cell phones.
[2] DISCHARGE BATTERIES Soak the batteries in an open-topped container in a solution of three tablespoons of baking soda to a quart of water for 24 hours to make them safe for recycling. This is a critical step since even partially charged batteries are highly dangerous!
[3] PLACE IN
[4] LEAVE IT ON YOUR RECYCLING BIN Place the sealed bag on top of your mixed paper recycling bin and set it out on your collection day. We'll make sure your batteries and cell phones are properly, and safely recycled.