Battery Recycling in Ann Arbor, MI

Where this information comes from

Checked October 26, 2026

• Drop-Off Station (opens in new tab) · Recycle Ann Arbor
  • The Drop-Off Station serves residents and businesses in Washtenaw County and beyond; electronics, appliances, freon appliances and tires are among the hard-to-recycle materials it takes. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Drop-Off Station Prices (opens in new tab) · Recycle Ann Arbor
  • All customers pay a gate fee, once per day: residential $3 per day, large volume (2 yards and up) $15 per day. Additional fees apply by material. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Lead acid car batteries are $5. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • The Drop-Off Station does not accept alkaline, lithium or other rechargeable batteries, damaged batteries, paints or varnish, or toxics. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Drop-Off Options (opens in new tab) · City of Ann Arbor
  • Ann Arbor residents can apply for a Drop-Off Station pass that waives the gate entry fee (currently $3); fees still apply for large items and some hard-to-recycle materials. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • The gate-fee pass is only for Ann Arbor residents, not commercial users. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Registration is required for Home Toxics collection events, held on select Saturdays from April through November; the Northville HHW Center is by appointment Tuesday through Thursday. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • The Washtenaw County Household Hazardous Waste Center, 10843 W. Five Mile Road, Northville, is open by appointment only, Tuesday through Thursday. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Home Toxics Disposal (opens in new tab) · City of Ann Arbor
  • Washtenaw County residents can dispose of household hazardous waste for free at two locations; items must not come from a business, government or other organization; appointments are required. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Home toxics include all paints (latex, oil-based, spray), stains, varnishes and rechargeable batteries. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • These services are free to Washtenaw County residents; voluntary donations are welcome. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Alkaline batteries may go in the trash but can also be taken to the Home Toxics Center for recycling. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Ann Arbor tells residents to take rechargeable, lithium and button-cell batteries to free drop-off locations, bagged or with tape over the positive end. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Ann Arbor says to return vehicle batteries to designated locations including the Drop-Off Station, and not to put them at the curb or in carts. Checked October 26, 2026.
• MCL 324.11514 Materials prohibited from disposal in landfill (opens in new tab) · Michigan Legislature (Michigan Compiled Laws)
  • MCL 324.11514: no one may deliver a lead acid battery to a landfill for disposal. Checked October 26, 2026.
• MCL 324.17101 Battery disposal: definitions (opens in new tab) · Michigan Legislature (Michigan Compiled Laws)
  • A "lead acid battery" under Part 171 is a storage battery used to start an engine or as the main power source for a vehicle. Checked October 26, 2026.
• MCL 324.17102 Disposal of lead acid battery (opens in new tab) · Michigan Legislature (Michigan Compiled Laws)
  • Households may get rid of a lead acid battery only by taking it to a retailer, distributor, manufacturer, or a department-approved collection, recycling or smelting facility. Checked October 26, 2026.
• MCL 324.17107 Battery disposal: enforcement and penalties (opens in new tab) · Michigan Legislature (Michigan Compiled Laws)
  • Knowingly disposing of lead acid or mercuric oxide batteries illegally is a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $25 per battery. Checked October 26, 2026.
• MCL 324.17103 Retailer of lead acid batteries; duties (opens in new tab) · Michigan Legislature (Michigan Compiled Laws)
  • Retailers of lead acid batteries must accept used ones from customers, in a quantity at least equal to the number of new batteries they sell. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • The required store notice says retailers must accept used lead acid batteries when you buy a lead acid battery or within 30 calendar days of the purchase. Checked October 26, 2026.
• EGLE: Safe battery disposal (opens in new tab) · Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
  • EGLE: lead acid batteries (car and boat batteries) may not go in Michigan landfills, and any business that sells them must collect them for recycling. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • EGLE tells residents to take an old lead acid battery back to where they bought the new one. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • EGLE: today's alkaline batteries are safe in regular household trash, but most other batteries are not, and recycling is always the best option. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • EGLE: never put rechargeable or lithium-ion batteries in curbside recycling or trash. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • EGLE: stores such as Ace Hardware, Best Buy, Batteries Plus Bulbs, Home Depot, Lowe's and Staples often take batteries, including rechargeables, for recycling. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • EGLE: Call2Recycle offers shipping if there is no collection location nearby. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • EGLE: most batteries should be taped before transport or recycling. Checked October 26, 2026.
• EGLE: Where can I take my household hazardous waste? (opens in new tab) · Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
  • EGLE: Michigan's Battery Disposal law requires retailers and auto repair shops that sell batteries to offer customers recycling. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • HHW collections are run by local governments or commercial recyclers; many are temporary or seasonal, so call before going. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • EGLE keeps a county-by-county list of local collection contacts; if your community is not listed, call your city, township or county. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • EGLE suggests looking for retail take-back of electronics, batteries, light bulbs, medications, motor oil and antifreeze when buying replacements. Checked October 26, 2026.
• EGLE: Landfill Prohibited Materials and Special Wastes (guidance, rev. 3/2021) (opens in new tab) · Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
  • If the seller isn't an option and the battery is from your own household equipment, EGLE points residents to its household hazardous waste page for recycling options. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Household hazardous waste (solvents, cleansers, pesticides) is not banned from Michigan landfills, though EGLE says it is not well suited to them. Checked October 26, 2026.
• MCL 324.17105c Nickel cadmium batteries; voluntary collection program (opens in new tab) · Michigan Legislature (Michigan Compiled Laws)
  • Michigan law only refers to voluntary nickel cadmium battery collection programs by manufacturers; no mandatory rechargeable battery take-back was found. Checked October 26, 2026.
• EGLE: Household hazardous waste (opens in new tab) · Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
  • EGLE: take leftover household hazardous products to a local collection when one is available; never pour them down a storm drain or household drain. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • If there is no local collection, EGLE says to ask your trash hauler for instructions on safe disposal in the regular trash. Checked October 26, 2026.

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