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Non-rechargeable and alkaline household batteries may be discarded with regular trash.

However, it is illegal to put rechargeable batteries in your trash or recycling. This includes batteries from laptops, cell phones, and digital cameras.

If you need to get rid of rechargeable batteries, you can:

  • Drop them off at a Special Waste Disposal site
  • Bring them to a store that sells rechargeable batteries or products containing them
  • Schedule a pickup appointment if you live in Staten Island

All stores in New York State that sell rechargeable batteries or products containing them must accept rechargeable batteries for recycling. No purchase is necessary.

These types of stores include:

  • Hardware stores
  • Office supply stores
  • Drugstores
  • Electronics stores

Food stores with less than 14,000 square feet are exceptions and do not need to accept batteries.

Learn more about throwing out rechargeable batteries.

You can find a store near you to drop off rechargeable batteries.

Online

Find a drop-off location.

By Phone

  • Agency: Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation
  • Phone Number: (877) 273-2925
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 6 PM

You can file a complaint against a store sells rechargeable batteries but does not accept rechargeable batteries for recycling.

  • Agency: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
  • Division: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Tip Line
  • Phone Number: (800) 847-7332
  • Business Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week

State law requires all stores selling rechargeable batteries or products containing them to accept and recycle the same types of rechargeable batteries sold or contained in their products.

You can start a a free rechargeable battery collection program for your business.

Online

Learn how to start a free rechargeable battery collection program for a business.

By Phone

  • Agency: Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation
  • Phone Number: (877) 273-2925
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 6 PM

Staten Island residents can get free curbside pickup of batteries by making an appointment with the Department of Sanitation (DSNY). 

DSNY will collect batteries of all kinds, including alkaline/single-use batteries, rechargeable batteries, and car batteries, as well as devices like cell phones or power tools that contain a battery that cannot be easily removed.

Before setting them out, tape the terminals of the battery. This prevents fires and keeps Sanitation workers safe.

How it Works

  • Appointments are available Monday through Friday, except on City holidays.
  • You must place the items curbside after 4 PM the evening before your appointment day.
  • You can schedule an appointment up to two weeks in advance. Next-day appointments must be scheduled by noon the previous day.

Pick-Up Status, Rescheduling, or Cancellation

You can check the status of your pick-up appointment. You can also reschedule or cancel it up until 4 PM the day before the appointment. You must provide your Service Request number.

Check the status of an appointment.

Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) to cancel or reschedule an appointment.

Adding Additional Items to an Appointment

If you have already scheduled an appointment and have additional items you need to dispose of, or if someone else has already made a pick-up request for your preferred appointment date, you can:

  • Place your additional items curbside along with the others on the scheduled appointment date, OR
  • Schedule a separate appointment for your other items on a different date

Missed Collection

DSNY does not accept missed collection complaints for these types of items. If your items were not collected on your appointment day, you must remove the items from the curb and schedule a new pick-up appointment.

Items that are left out on private property are "unserviceable” and cannot be picked up. You must place your items curbside in order for them to be collected. If you did not put your items curbside on the scheduled day, you can make a new appointment.

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