Dispose of batteries properly to prevent trash fires

The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is reminding everyone that proper disposal of batteries is essential. No types of batteries should be placed in regular trash.  

Improperly disposed batteries can cause fires in trash cans, on trash trucks and at the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station. This applies to all batteries including:  

• Dry cell and alkaline batteries 
• Lithium batteries 
• Lithium-ion batteries 
• Nickel-cadmium batteries 
• Lead acid (vehicle) batteries 
• Uninterruptible power supplies (personal and network) 
• Tool batteries

The household hazardous waste drop-off area at the Transfer Station accepts all batteries, including alkaline batteries, for disposal. Lead acid and/or vehicle batteries can also be dropped off at no charge. 

Many retail locations accept batteries for disposal, although some may charge for disposal service.   

The safest methods of transporting batteries are to protect terminals by placing each battery individually into a plastic bag or by taping the ends with masking tape or another non-metallic tape. When carrying small batteries in your pocket, do not mix them with coins and house keys.  

A video in English and Spanish explains how to properly dispose of batteries. Visit the DEP website for more information. 

Through the County’s Ecowise Program, businesses and organizations can drop off batteries for a small fee from 1 to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Shady Grove Transfer Station. Businesses and organizations can register using Ecowise Online Application.