Battery Recycling in Yakima, WA

Where this information comes from

Checked October 26, 2026

• Household & Small Business Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · Yakima County Public Services
  • Homeowners can bring household hazardous waste to the county facility free of charge. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Accepted: auto batteries, household batteries, paint and paint thinners, among others. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Auto batteries are accepted. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Ecology: Battery stewardship (opens in new tab) · Washington State Department of Ecology
  • A 2023 Washington law requires battery producers to create a statewide collection system for portable and medium-format batteries. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Collection sites under the battery stewardship program begin taking portable batteries July 1, 2027 and medium-format batteries January 1, 2029; it is not operating yet. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Ecology describes the 2023 law as creating a free recycling program for batteries. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Ecology took comments July 23 to August 24, 2026 on a proposed battery stewardship plan from The Battery Network. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Until the program starts, Ecology points people to The Battery Network locator or 1-800-RECYCLE for battery recycling. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Program collection sites will only take loose batteries, not batteries that cannot easily be removed from products. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • The program will not take vehicle and other wet cell batteries, lead-acid batteries over 11 pounds, or non-removable batteries. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Chapter 70A.555 RCW: Batteries, environmental stewardship (opens in new tab) · Washington State Legislature
  • The stewardship plan must collect all covered battery chemistries and brands on a free, continuous, convenient basis. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Ecology: Batteries (common dangerous waste guidance) (opens in new tab) · Washington State Department of Ecology
  • Ecology tells households to take batteries to a Battery Network drop-off location or a household hazardous waste site. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Chapter 70A.205 RCW: Solid waste management, reduction and recycling (opens in new tab) · Washington State Legislature
  • Vehicle (lead) batteries may only be disposed of by delivery to a lead-acid battery seller, a party authorized by Ecology, or a secondary lead smelter. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Solid waste disposal sites may not knowingly accept used vehicle batteries for disposal unless authorized. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Vehicle battery retailers must accept used vehicle batteries at purchase, at least one for each new battery bought. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Retailers must post a notice that it is illegal to put a motor vehicle battery in your garbage. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Each retail vehicle battery sale includes a core charge of at least $5. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Ecology: Moderate risk waste (opens in new tab) · Washington State Department of Ecology
  • Local governments in Washington must plan for moderate risk waste (household hazardous waste plus small-business hazardous waste) in their area. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • State law allows MRW in municipal garbage, but many local governments collect it separately and some ban it from regular garbage; check local rules first. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Ecology says to learn what can legally go in the garbage in your area and whether your jurisdiction has an MRW facility. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Ecology points to MRW facilities, events and take-back programs such as E-Cycle Washington, PaintCare, LightRecycle and Safe Medication Return. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Ecology: Find a moderate risk waste disposal site (opens in new tab) · Washington State Department of Ecology
  • Ecology keeps a county-by-county list of moderate risk waste disposal sites and services. Checked October 26, 2026.

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