The City of Austin reminds residents to properly dispose of used batteries by taking them to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility or other drop-off locations. Putting hazardous items like batteries in the trash can negatively impact the environment as toxic materials may leach into the soil and groundwater. The Facility accepts used batteries and other hazardous household waste items from Austin and Travis County residents for free on Saturdays from 7am to 12pm and Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am to 6pm. All Austin Public Libraries also accept batteries for recycling.

1. For Immediate Release
Oct. 29, 2014
Media Contact:
Austin Resource Recovery Media Line, 512-974-1800
EDITOR’S NOTE: Household Hazardous Waste Facility tours are available upon request. Click here to
download high-res photos.
City Reminds Residents to Recycle Used Batteries
AUSTIN, TEXAS -- While changing the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide
detectors can help save lives, recycling the used batteries can help save our environment. With
daylight savings time around the corner, the Austin Fire Department recommends checking and
changing the batteries in these alarms. Austin Resource Recovery reminds the Austin
community to dispose of the used batteries properly by taking them to the City’s Household
Hazardous Waste Facility or another drop-off location.
Putting hazardous items like batteries into the trash can have negative effects on our
environment, since toxic materials could leach into the soil and groundwater. Batteries are made
of metals and earth elements that can be recycled and reused. City of Austin and Travis County
residents can drop off used batteries, as well as other hazardous items, for free at the
Household Hazardous Waste Facility.
The Household Hazardous Waste Facility, located at 2514 Business Center Drive, Austin,
Texas 78744, is open on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Tuesdays and Wednesdays
from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
When bringing used batteries, consider taking other household hazardous waste items listed
below:
• Fluorescent bulbs
• Car batteries
• Cell Phones
• Cleaners
• Automotive fluids
• Oil filters
• Paint and thinners
• Pesticides and herbicides
• Photographic chemicals
• Mercury
(MORE)

2. Page 2 of 2/City offers free battery recycling
• Aerosol Cans
• Pool chemicals
• Cooking Oil
• BBQ and camping propane cylinders
These items will not be accepted at the facility:
• Radioactive materials
• Syringes or medical waste
• Tires
• Electronics
• Compressed gas cylinders
• Explosive materials (including ammunition)
• Any waste generated by a business
All Austin Public Libraries also accept batteries for recycling. Please visit
www.austintexas.gov/HHW for a list of battery drop-off locations and more information about
other items accepted at the facility, such as light bulbs, paints and cleaners.
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About Austin Resource Recovery
Austin Resource Recovery provides a wide range of services designed to transform waste into resources
while keeping our community clean. Services include curbside collection of recycling, trash, yard
trimmings and large brush and bulk items; street sweeping; dead animal collection; household hazardous
waste disposal and recycling; and outreach and education. In December 2011, the Austin City Council
approved the Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan, which is the City’s roadmap to Zero Waste. The
City of Austin is committed to reducing the amount of waste sent to area landfills by 90 percent by 2040 or
sooner. For more information, visit austinrecycles.com.