Throwing rechargeable batteries in a recycling bin or the garbage is dangerous. Fires traced to lithium-ion batteries have been reported in garbage trucks and at recycling facilities nationwide, putting people’s lives at risk.
Lithium-ion batteries are very common in households. They can be found in cell phones, laptops, cordless power tools and even kids’ scooters. What makes them dangerous are components in the batteries that can catch fire when they are shorted or damaged.
Instead of throwing these batteries in the garbage or recycling bin, Palm Beach County residents can dispose of rechargeable (non-alkaline) batteries at a Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County Home Chemical and Recycling Center. In fact, any type of rechargeable or deep-cycle battery (nickel-cadmium, automotive, lithium-ion, cell phone, lead-acid) should be dropped off at any one of the seven Home Chemical and Recycling Centers throughout the county.
The SWA’s locations include (from north county to south county):
North County Transfer Station
14185 Military Trail (SWA Road) in Jupiter
Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Home Chemical and Recycling Center
6161 N. Jog Road in West Palm Beach
Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Glades Regional Transfer Station
1701 State Road 15 in Belle Glade
Monday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
West Central Transfer Station
9743 Weisman Way in Royal Palm Beach
Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Central County Transfer Station
1810 Lantana Road in Lantana
Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Southwest County Transfer Station
13400 South State Road 7 in Delray Beach
Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.
South County Transfer Station
1901 SW 4th Ave. in Delray Beach
Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.
In addition to these locations, many major retailers will recycle batteries for free, and have drop-off containers placed near the front of their stores.
Remember, pollution prevention starts at home. To learn more about the importance of properly disposing of your batteries, check out our video and visit our website.
