Welcome, 5 Steps A How To On Safe Battery Recycling And Disposal In Washington D.C.- Expert Solutions Secure Waste
Hello and welcome to Secure Waste! We’re thrilled you chose us as your go-to source for trustworthy battery handling and disposal information in the District.
Here, you’ll find the latest guidance and drop-off locations across Washington, D.C. Together, we can make a meaningful difference for our environment! If you have a collection of used AA batteries from kids’ toys, AAA batteries from the remote, or a couple of watch batteries, now is the perfect time to take action. Thank you for being part of this critical effort!
Residents in the District can proudly drop off all types of home-use batteries at designated locations throughout the city for free! They’re committed to recycling, making our community cleaner and greener. Let’s make a difference together!
Where To Drop Off Batteries in D.C. For Recycling. A Free Locator For Drop-Offs “Click Here”

Thanks to funding from battery manufacturers, the first battery recycling program in the U.S. will accept rechargeable and single-use batteries. Carin Stuart, a spokesperson for Call2Recycle, announced this initiative in collaboration with the D.C. Department of Energy and Environment. Previously, collection sites only accepted rechargeable batteries.
“As batteries grow larger and are used in more devices, safe disposal becomes increasingly important,” said Stuart. “Battery recycling creates a circular economy, reducing the need to mine new materials by reclaiming and reintegrating materials into new products.”

D.C. law requires the initiative to have at least 70 locations spread across all eight wards, focusing on public transit accessibility. The D.C. Council identified the need for a battery recycling program funded by manufacturers nearly three years ago but delayed its implementation using emergency legislation in 2022.

Are You Ready? Here Are 5 Tips For Safe and Easy Battery Recycling In D.C.
Safety First! Ensure that you prepare your batteries safely. You have two options:
Option A: Place each battery in its clear plastic bag before storing it in a container.
Option B: Tape the battery terminals with clear packing tape, non-conductive electrical tape, or duct tape, making sure the label remains visible.
- Keep Cool: To ensure safety, keep batteries in a cool, dry place. Extreme weather conditions can affect batteries and the devices they power, like cell phones or tablets. It’s best to store them in a plastic container and avoid using metal containers.
- Battery damage? If you notice a swollen or bulging battery, immediately place it in a superb, dry location within a non-flammable material, such as sand or kitty litter. Please do NOT throw it away. You can contact Call2Recycle customer service at 1-877-723-1297 or immediately contact the manufacturer or retailer for instructions, especially if the label indicates a Lithium or Lithium-Ion battery.
- Timing—Let’s make a difference by recycling batteries within six months! Just bag or tape them, and use our D.C. Drop-Off Locator to easily find the closest drop-off site.
- Recycling spread the word. Since we all use batteries to power our lives, sharing information about battery recycling is important. Recycling batteries is a responsible action that helps keep them out of landfills!
Have other hazardous waste that is not batteries? Secure Waste can help! Visit our Hazardous Waste Disposal Guide For Disposal Hazardous Waste Disposal.

Welcome to Zero Waste DC
The District’s one-stop resource for reducing waste, recycling, composting, and special waste handling.
What Goes Where?
Do you ever wonder what can be recycled or what items might be hazardous to toss in the trash? We’ve got just the solution for you! Check out our new “What Goes Where?” tool! Enter the name of the item you’re curious about, and we’ll happily guide you through the best disposal methods in the district. Let’s work together to make our community cleaner and more eco-friendly! I appreciate your commitment to sustainability!
In closing, now that you know what and how to recycle batteries in Washington, D.C., you can contact Secure Waste if you need help with battery recycling. We provide reliable, compliant, eco-friendly Biomedical waste disposal solutions for your facility’s needs. We have expertise in biomedical, hazardous waste, and Sharps container disposal. In addition, we provide customized waste management plans, including secure collection and transport and sustainable disposal practices.
Contact us today for a FREE Waste Assessment, or request a quote online In The District Of Columbia

Expert Medical Waste Management: With over 25 years of industry experience, Secure Waste is a trusted local leader in hazardous and biohazardous waste disposal across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Specializing in medical waste management, sharps needle disposal, and biohazard waste removal, the company ensures full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while prioritizing environmental sustainability.
The company also offers additional services, including secure document shredding and sharps container sales, providing comprehensive solutions for healthcare facilities and businesses. Our cost-effective services help clients maintain regulatory compliance without unexpected costs.
With a commitment to customer satisfaction, Secure Waste offers tailored waste management plans that align with industry best practices. Their team of experts provides reliable, timely, and compliant services, making them the preferred choice for medical waste disposal. For a free waste quote or more information, visit www.securewaste.net