The University of Washington recycles all types of batteries. Batteries cannot be placed in the trash because they contain corrosive acids and toxic metals. Batteries and electronics are not allowed in the garbage in the City of Seattle.

Less than five pounds

Have less than five pounds of batteries? Discard them in an eMedia bin.

More than five pounds, large or leaking batteries

Environmental Health & Safety handles disposal of collections of batteries over five pounds and large batteries, including those from research, heavy equipment and laptops.

Vehicle batteries

See the vehicle waste guide.

Lead acid batteries

To request a special collection of lead acid batteries, fill out an Online Chemical Waste Collection request listing them as “Batteries, lead acid.” These requests are serviced through UW Environmental Health & Safety. Exposed terminals must be covered with duct tape prior to requesting a pickup.