America Recycles Day, celebrated nationwide each year on November 15, is a moment to recommit to building a circular economy where materials are reused, recovered, and responsibly managed rather than thrown away. National partners like the EPA and Keep America Beautiful encourage communities to improve recycling access, reduce contamination, and protect people and the environment through better disposal habits. In Seattle, we already recycle far more than most cities, but batteries remain one of the trickiest and most dangerous items in the waste stream.
This America Recycles Day, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is reminding residents that batteries should never go in garbage, recycling, or compost carts. When compacted in trucks or at transfer stations, batteries can spark, smoke, or ignite surrounding materials. Fires from improperly disposed batteries happen more often than many people realize and are now one of the leading causes of facility fires at SPU.
To address these risks, SPU adopted a formal Directors Rule prohibiting batteries and electronics from disposal in the municipal solid waste system. The rule, Director’s Rule SW‑404, outlines why these materials pose hazards and requires they be handled through safe recycling channels. Seattle’s battery rules cover nearly all battery types and many electronics containing embedded batteries.
Batteries also contain metals and chemicals such as lithium, mercury, cadmium, lead, and nickel that must be managed separately to protect workers, the community, and the environment. Seattle leads the nation in recycling, and properly disposing of batteries is an important part of keeping that leadership strong. The chart below explains how to dispose of each type safely.
| Battery Type | Where and How to Recycle |
| Small household batteries (alkaline) | Separate rechargeable and non-rechargeable, tape ends, drop off at Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facilities, or retail via The Battery Network. SPU Special Item Pickup accepts household batteries and SPU account holders receive one free battery pickup per year. Schedule by calling (206) 684-3000. |
| Small electronics with embedded batteries (cell phones, laptops, tablets) | Accepted through Special Item Pickup for SPU account holders. Also accepted at The Battery Network and E‑Cycle WA. |
| Vehicle and E-Mobility batteries (e‑bike batteries, e‑scooter batteries, car batteries) | Drop off at Transfer Stations, Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facilities, The Battery Network, or manufacturer take‑back programs. Not accepted in SPU Special Item Pickup. |
| Damaged or defective batteries | Must go to an HHW facility only. Do not take to Transfer Stations. |
Free Battery Pickup for SPU Account Holders: SPU’s Special Item Pickup (SIP) program now accepts household batteries and small electronics with embedded batteries. Every SPU residential account holder receives one free battery pickup per year.
Test Your Battery Knowledge: SPU is hosting a fun battery‑recycling quiz on Instagram to help residents learn what goes where. Follow along at @SeattlePublicUtilities to test your knowledge and share with neighbors.
Keep Seattle Safe and Green: By keeping batteries out of carts and using SPU’s convenient battery‑recycling options, residents can help prevent fires, protect workers, and keep hazardous materials out of the environment. This America Recycles Day, take a moment to sort out your household batteries, schedule your free pickup, and spread the word.
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