Vermont bans the disposal of rechargeable and lead-acid batteries in the trash! Many types of batteries contain hazardous materials and may become hazardous waste when disposed of IMPROPERLY.
Most* battery types are accepted at WSWMD for recycling, except for EV & E-bike batteries. Please bring them to the scale house upon arrival.
Access Sticker or Day Pass is NOT required to recycle batteries.
Lead Acid batteries
COST: $3 charge for smaller lead acid batteries- electric fence, lawnmower, etc.
COST: $5 charge for automobile, motorcycle & marine batteries.
Types: Car batteries, motorcycle batteries, marine batteries.
Typically upon purchase, you’re charged a core charge by the supplier, if you return your battery where you bought your new one, you will get your core charge back! Otherwise, bring it to us and we’ll recycle it for you.
Alkaline/Single Use Batteries
Vermont was the first state in the nation to pass single-use/alkaline battery recycling. The new law requires manufacturers of single-use batteries to provide a stewardship plan to manage the proper recycling of batteries sold in Vermont. It establishes convenient recycling options for residents, at no cost. Single-use batteries, such as AA, AAA, C, D, and 9-volt, are used in many items such as tools and toys. Recycling household batteries conserves natural resources, and lessens environmental impacts from mining and disposal.
Please don’t attempt to recycle corroded batteries, these should be thrown out in the trash.
Rechargeable Batteries
Types: Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel-Metal-Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium-Ion (Li-ion), and others.
Found in cell phones, laptops, and digital cameras/camcorders. Also, batteries are used for cordless tools, scooters & electric bicycles. (see next topic)
Do not store your lithium batteries with your alkaline batteries, please keep them separated as they present a fire hazard. It’s best to tape the ends with clear tape, duct tape, or electrical tape. Never use masking tape to tape a battery.
Button Batteries
Types: Hearing aids, cameras, flashlights, key fobs, laser pointers, etc. Another type of rechargeable battery we will take at no charge. Please store these by themselves in a plastic Ziploc bag. Do not mix with lithium-ion batteries.
Power Tool Batteries
Types: Electric tool batteries (drills, weedwhackers, chainsaws, drivers, etc.) Free to drop-off for recycling. Please note, the tools themselves are not free as there is a charge for scrap metal.
E-Bike Batteries-
*WSWMD is not able to properly recycle e-bike batteries. Please do not bring them to the transfer station.
In 2022, Call2Recycle and PeopleForBikes are leading the charge to launch the first U.S. industry-wide, voluntary e-bike battery recycling program.
Follow the link below to find an e-bike dealer that may be able to help you recycle your battery, WSWMD is unable to recycle e-bike batteries.
E-bike battery recyclers in WSWMD member towns
https://www.peopleforbikes.org/topics/electric-bikes
Electric Vehicle Batteries (EV/Hybrid):
At this point, we ask that you contact your vehicle manufacturer regarding an EV battery.
*WSWMD is not able to properly recycle EV or hybrid batteries.
Partnership
We partner with Call2Recycle! Where do recycled batteries go? Click to find out more!
https://www.call2recycle.org/explore-the-secret-life-of-batteries/