Standard household batteries (such as AA, AAA, C, D, and 9-volt)
Considered refuse and can be disposed of in garbage for curbside pickup. They are no longer considered HHW and will not be accepted at HHW Collection Drop-Off events.
Rechargeable batteries and car batteries
Considered Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and must be disposed of by dropping off at HHW collection events. The Essex County Utilities Authority oversees the HHW Collection Days for all towns in this county, hosted twice each year – spring and fall – in nearby Cedar Grove.
Essex County seasonal HHW drop-off:
125 Fairview Avenue (next to Old Hospital Center), Cedar Grove, NJ 07009
8:30 A.M. until 4:00 P.M.
The event is free for Essex County residents only (proof of residency required)
For information and dates for the Essex HHW Collection Days, call the Essex County Utilities Authority at 973-792-9060.
Devices that contain rechargeable batteries considered HHW:
- Batteries in cell phones, laptop computers, cordless power tools, digital cameras, portable CD and DVD players, etc.
- Any device that plugs into a cradle for recharging uses a rechargeable battery
- Button cell batteries for watches and lithium batteries for cameras
Keep in mind, we encourage the use of rechargeable batteries because they reduce the volume and the toxicity of our waste. But, rechargeable batteries themselves are very hazardous to human health and our environment, so they must never be thrown out.
Don’t want to wait for HHW drop-off days? Staples also accepts certain electronics and batteries for free disposal any day. View this link for more information:https://www.staples.com/stores/recycling