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Batteries
Disposal guidance for eligible businesses
Accepted at hazardous waste collection sites - eligible businesses only
Accepted batteries include alkaline, button, cellphone (removable), laptop lead-acid, rechargeable, and car batteries. Business customers must sort batteries by type and secure (tape) the terminals to prevent a fire hazard.
Limit 5 lead acid auto or marine batteries per visit. Batteries from electric vehicles are not accepted. 25 pound maximum for a single non-auto or marine battery. 50-pound total weight limit for any combination of non-auto or marine batteries per visit.
Disposal restrictions:
- All containers must be 5 gallons or less
- Total waste limit is 25 gallons or 220 pounds per trip
- Businesses must bring a completed disposal form to the disposal location
- Businesses are allowed a maximum of four visits per year
NOTE: As of January 1, 2024, batteries may no longer be thrown in the garbage in areas served by Seattle Public Utilities. Please follow the guidance on this page and take any batteries for disposal to a hazardous waste collection facility, arrange for a special-item pick-up through Seattle Public Utilities, or work with a local battery recycling organization. For more information on this ban and additional resources on safer battery disposal in our region, please visit Seattle Public Utilities' Ban on Electronics and Batteries in Garbage site.
Frequently-Asked Questions
Your business is eligible to receive no-fee hazardous waste disposal up to four times a year if it is:
- Located in King County
- A Small Quantity Generator (SQG), meaning that you do all of the following:
- Produce less than 220 pounds (about 25 gallons) of hazardous waste per month
- Produce less than 2.2 pounds (about a quart) of acutely hazardous waste per month
- Store less than 2,200 pounds (about four 55-gallon drums) of hazardous waste
If your business exceeds the noted limits, you may require special disposal services via a private hazardous waste management firm. We can help! Call us at 206-296-4692.
Eligible businesses should plan to fill out a business disposal form to qualify for no-fee disposal at any hazardous waste collection site.
- Complete the form. You can find a digital copy online, or download the PDF. Print two copies and bring them with you to your preferred collection site.
- Prep for disposal. Keep items in their original containers and label those products that are unmarked. Be careful not to mix different types of waste and secure items so they do not spill or tip over during transport.
- Drop off your hazardous items. Bring your items to a disposal collection site. There’s no fee—the service is funded through your utility bill.