Portland’s Curbside Battery Recycling Program Collects Over 20 Tons in Its First Year

20 Tons of Batteries Recycled in First Year of Portland’s Curbside Program
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In its inaugural year of curbside battery collection, Portland residents have safely taped, bagged, and placed over 20 tons of batteries in their glass recycling bins. This initiative has led to fewer fires, enhanced safety for workers, and a cleaner environment for all.

**Published: June 4, 2025, 7:48 am**

Thank you, Portlanders! In just one year, more than 20 tons of household batteries have been successfully collected and recycled through the city’s new curbside battery collection program. To put this weight into perspective, 20 tons equates to:

– The weight of 4 adult elephants
– 100 grand pianos
– 5,000 cats (who would likely be quite displeased about being weighed)

This represents 20 tons of batteries that are not ending up in landfills—or worse, igniting fires in garbage trucks and recycling facilities.

### Why Curbside Battery Recycling Matters

Batteries, particularly lithium-ion ones found in rechargeable devices, pose a fire hazard if crushed, punctured, or exposed to heat. Disposing of them in regular garbage or recycling bins can create serious risks for garbage truck drivers, recycling workers, and the environment.

Since June 2024, Portland’s curbside battery collection program has simplified the process for single-family households and smallplexes (2–4 units) to recycle household batteries safely.

### How to Recycle Batteries

If you reside in a house, duplex, triplex, or fourplex, you can set out batteries with your curbside glass recycling by following these steps:

1. **Tape Some Batteries:** Check the label on the battery. If it says “alkaline,” you can place it directly into a one-quart bag without needing to tape it. If “alkaline” is not indicated, tape both ends of the battery with clear tape before placing it in the bag.

2. **Bag:** Place all batteries in a clear, one-quart, zip-sealed bag.

3. **Set Out with Glass:** Put the bag of batteries on top of the glass in your recycling bin so that the waste collection driver can easily see it.

For those living in apartments or needing battery disposal at their workplace, you can find battery recycling drop-off or mail-in options by contacting Metro’s Recycling Information Center, available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 503-234-3000.

### What Types of Batteries Are Allowed?

You can recycle any battery that fits in a 1-quart, zip-sealed plastic bag. This includes:

– AAA, AA, C, D, button-cell & coin, 6V, and 9V batteries
– Rechargeable and single-use batteries
– Alkaline batteries
– Lithium, Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), and Nickel Zinc (Ni-Zn) batteries
– Small batteries easily removed from devices (such as old cell phones and cameras)
– Small tool batteries that fit in a sealed 1-quart bag

### What’s NOT Allowed

The following batteries must be taken to drop-off facilities for safe recycling or disposal:

– Batteries that do not fit in a 1-quart bag
– Vape pens and e-cigarettes
– Devices with embedded or built-in batteries (cell phones, laptops, tablets, etc.)
– Wireless headphones, Bluetooth speakers, fitness watches/bands, electric toothbrushes, reading lights, etc.
– Any equipment that makes noise, lights up, heats up, or moves and does not plug into a wall
– Damaged, corroded, leaking, or bulging batteries

### Keep It Going!

We understand that it requires extra effort to tape and bag batteries for curbside pickup or to drop them off for safe disposal—but your commitment is making a significant impact. By participating, you help prevent dangerous fires, protect workers, and minimize exposure to toxic chemicals. Additionally, you are contributing to the recovery of valuable materials that can be recycled into new products, reducing the need for mining and aiding in environmental protection.

Keep up the great work, and don’t forget to share this information with your neighbors!

### Learn More About Curbside Battery Collection

For more details about battery recycling in Portland, including its importance and guidance on how to handle batteries that aren’t collected at the curb, visit the city’s website. If you reside outside of Portland, check your local city or county’s website. Many collection services in the greater Portland area, including Clackamas County, parts of Washington County, and Gresham, offer residential curbside battery collection.

**Contact Information:**

– **Garbage and Recycling Hotline:**
Email: wasteinfo@portlandoregon.gov
Phone: 503-823-7202

Your participation in this initiative is invaluable, and together, we can make a difference!