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Battery Recycling in San Francisco, CA

Residents can bring batteries to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility, Walgreens or most hardware stores; the transfer station takes the first 5 gallons a month free.

See all 3 options

Checked October 26, 2026 · Call before you go · How we check

3 ways to get rid of a battery in San Francisco

Tap an option to see the address, hours, cost and rules.

  1. CurbCycle PickupPickup from your home · San FranciscoNo haulingWe recycle it for youFrom $75.00
    How it works

    Book online, set out your battery and we’ll pick it up and recycle it for you. You see your price before you book and pay only after pickup.

    Book a pickup →

  2. Recology SF Transfer Station (Public Disposal Area)Drop-off · 501 Tunnel Avenue, San FranciscoFree
    Where

    501 Tunnel Avenue
    San Francisco, CA 94134

    Hours

    Monday–Friday 7 am–4:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday 7:30 am–4 pm. Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

    Cost & rules

    Batteries

    AcceptedFree (documented)
    Fees for batteries
    Batteries over 5 gallons per month$3.93 per pound
    Minimum disposal fee (all loads)$60.00 per visit
    Uncovered load$20.00 per visit
    • Limit: First 5 gallons per month free.

    Full details & sourcesOfficial site (opens in new tab)

  3. Recology SF Household Hazardous Waste FacilityDrop-off · 501 Tunnel Avenue, San FranciscoSan Francisco residentsCost not listed
    Where

    501 Tunnel Avenue
    San Francisco, CA 94134

    Hours

    Thursday–Saturday, 8 am–4 pm; closed major holidays.

    Cost & rules

    Batteries

    AcceptedCost unknown

    Fees aren’t recorded. Don’t assume drop-off is free.

    Full details & sourcesOfficial site (opens in new tab)

Before you go

  1. Tape the terminals of lithium and rechargeable batteries before transport.
  2. Keep damaged, swollen or leaking batteries separate and tell the operator.
  3. Ask which battery types are accepted; car batteries often go somewhere different.
More about batteries

California rules

More California rules (16)
Where this information comes from (25)

Where this information comes from

Checked October 26, 2026

  • SF Transfer Station & Hazardous Waste Facility (opens in new tab) · Recology San Francisco
    • A $60 minimum disposal fee applies to all loads. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Uncovered loads are charged an extra $20. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Batteries: first 5 gallons per month free, then $3.93 per pound. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • The HHW facility is for San Francisco residents only. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Mattresses & box springs (unusable) (SF Recycles) (opens in new tab) · San Francisco Environment Department
    • SF Environment lists the transfer station public dump as serving businesses and residents. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Hazardous Waste - Recology San Francisco (opens in new tab) · Recology San Francisco
    • The Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 501 Tunnel Ave., San Francisco, CA 94134 is open to SF residents Thursday–Saturday, 8 am–4 pm. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Residents can drop off batteries at Walgreens, most hardware stores, or the HHW facility. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • DTSC: Universal Waste for Residents - Batteries (opens in new tab) · California Department of Toxic Substances Control
    • California law prohibits putting old batteries in the trash or in household recycling bins. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Common household batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt and button cells, single-use or rechargeable) can be hazardous waste when discarded. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Store old batteries in a safe, dry place away from flammables and tape over the terminals to avoid fires. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Many local governments and retailers accept old batteries; DTSC says to contact your local waste service provider. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Retailers that sell rechargeable batteries must accept consumers' used rechargeable batteries; take-back of other batteries such as alkalines is voluntary. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • The Responsible Battery Recycling Act of 2022 (AB 2440) requires battery producers to set up a stewardship program for collecting and recycling covered loose and easily removable batteries; it repeals the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act on January 1, 2027. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Automotive-type lead-acid batteries are not universal waste; they fall under separate rules. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • CalRecycle: Waste Banned from the Trash (opens in new tab) · CalRecycle
    • CalRecycle lists all batteries, rechargeable and single-use, plus lead-acid car batteries, as banned from the trash, recycling and organics bins. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • California Health and Safety Code section 25215.2 (lead-acid battery dealers) (opens in new tab) · California Legislative Information
    • Lead-acid battery dealers must accept used starting, motive-power and vehicle auxiliary lead-acid batteries without charging a fee, but need not take more than six per person per day. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Buyers of a replacement lead-acid battery pay a nonrefundable $2 California battery fee and a refundable deposit, credited if a used battery is returned at purchase or within 45 days with the receipt. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • California Health and Safety Code section 25215.1 (lead-acid battery definitions) (opens in new tab) · California Legislative Information
    • Under the dealer rules, a lead-acid battery weighs over five kilograms, is mainly lead and sulfuric acid, and has a capacity of six volts or more. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • California Health and Safety Code section 25216.1 (spent battery collection) (opens in new tab) · California Legislative Information
    • A household hazardous waste facility may refuse spent batteries beyond its storage capacity and may charge a fee limited to its handling, storage and disposal costs for them. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • DTSC: Universal Waste (opens in new tab) · California Department of Toxic Substances Control
    • DTSC says universal wastes (batteries, electronic waste, CRTs, lamps, mercury wastes, non-empty aerosol cans and PV modules) must go to a designated handler or recycler and cannot go in household trash or landfills. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · California Department of Toxic Substances Control
    • It is illegal to dispose of household hazardous waste in the trash, down the drain, or by abandonment; it must go to a household hazardous waste facility. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • DTSC lists antifreeze, batteries, e-waste, household cleaners, paints, pesticides, pool cleaners, solvents, used oil and mercury wastes among common household hazardous wastes. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Many cities and counties run household hazardous waste collection programs; DTSC keeps a map of HHW facilities. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Many HHW facilities keep set days and hours, some cap daily amounts, some only hold events once or twice a year, and many require an appointment. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • CalRecycle: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · CalRecycle
    • CalRecycle says it is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the garbage, down storm drains or onto the ground. Checked October 26, 2026.

“Checked” means we read the official page on that date. Things can change, so call before you go.

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