Discarding Batteries

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.

Drop off at retail locations

Many retailers partner with Call2Recycle, a national battery recycling program. To find a drop-off location near you:

1. Visit the Call2Recycle website
2. Enter your ZIP code
3. Select the battery type (e.g., rechargeable, single-use lithium)
4. View the map and list of participating locations

Battery types accepted may vary by location.

Drop off at CCCs and HHW events

You can bring the following types of batteries:

Lead-acid batteries:

• Cars and motorcycles
• Golf carts
• Lawn mowers
• Boats

Other batteries (12 inches or smaller):

• Loose batteries
• Rechargeable (Lithium-ion, Ni-Cd, NiMH)
• Single-use lithium batteries
• Power tool batteries

Electronics with non-removable batteries (CCCs only)

You can bring electronic devices with built-in rechargeable batteries to CCCs, including:

• Cell phones
• Tablets
• Laptops
• Smartwatches

Do not attempt to remove or dismantle these batteries.

Electronics are not accepted at HHW events.

Batteries not accepted at CCCs or HHW events

• Batteries from businesses
• Large batteries (over 12” x 12”), including:
• Lithium golf cart batteries
• Electric vehicle (EV) batteries
• Backup power supplies (e.g., solar or UPS systems)
• Alkaline batteries (A, AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt)
• Place alkaline batteries in your garbage cart, not the recycling cart

How to dispose of batteries not accepted

Check with local vendors for disposal options for large batteries that CCCs and HHW events do not accept.

CCC locations and hours

HHW events  

View other items accepted at HHW Events. 

What to bring

• State-issued photo ID with a Hillsborough County residential address
• CCC customers: if you have items to drop off other than electronics, batteries, paint, and recycling, bring a printed or digital copy of your annual Hillsborough County Property Tax Bill showing your current solid waste assessment

Battery preparation

Prevent batteries from reacting with other batteries to keep you and county employees safe.

Step 1: Tape battery terminals with clear packing tape. Make sure that battery type is clearly visible to county employees, who are responsible for sorting them. Step 2: Place each battery in an individual plastic zip-close bag, except for lead-acid batteries.

For batteries that are too large for a baggie, such as battery packs, packaging materials are available at the CCC sites.

Not from Hillsborough County? 

Your community’s HHW program accepts household batteries for free, or visit Call2Recycle for local retail locations.  

• Hernando County 
• Manatee County
• Pasco County
• Pinellas County
• Polk County
• Sarasota County

Other resources

Learn how to properly use and store batteries to prevent fires with these battery safety guidelines.

Contact

If you have questions or require additional assistance, the Customer Service team is available Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 5 PM.

Phone: (813) 272-5680
Email: SolidWaste@HCFL.gov