Austin and Travis County residents, and commercial businesses have options to properly dispose of household batteries, solar panels, and solar battery storage systems once they are no longer working. Properly disposing of these materials is important to reduce their potential harmful impacts to the environment if disposed incorrectly.
Battery recycling
Batteries should never be thrown in the trash, and they are not recyclable curbside. Residents have a couple of options for disposing of batteries properly.
- Austin Resource Recovery curbside customers (single-family homes up to four-plexes) can schedule up to three collections a year of household hazardous waste including batteries at their convenience. Appointments are required. Learn more and schedule an appointment.
- Household batteries can be dropped off by Austin and Travis County residents at year-round recycling locations across Austin (large batteries such as car and solar panel batteries cannot be accepted):
Austin Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center |
(512) 974-4343 2514 Business Center Dr. Austin, TX 78744 |
|
Austin Public Libraries |
Austin Central History Center Carver Cepeda Terrazas Willie Mae Kirk Howson Twin Oaks University Hills Milwood Old Quarry |
Ruiz Southeast Manchaca Pleasant Hill Hampton Branch at Oak Hill St. John Recycled Reads Yarborough North Village Little Walnut Creek Spicewood Springs |
Solar panel and battery storage system recycling
Austin residents and commercial businesses have options for disposing of solar panels and battery storage systems in Austin.
Solar panel recycling for Austin and Travis County residents
Austin and Travis County residents can drop off solar panels at the City’s Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center. Appointments are required.
- Up to two solar panels (weighing less than 100 pounds) can be dropped off free of charge. If a customer has more than two solar panels or the weight exceeds 100 pounds, they will be charged a recycling fee of $0.30 per additional pound.
- The center may decline these materials if they are part of a large recycling request and/or from commercial customers.
Solar panel recycling for commercial businesses
Commercial businesses are encouraged to find local recyclers or contact the manufacturer to return the panels.
Solar battery storage system recycling
Many manufactures offer take-back programs for battery storage systems. Check with the manufacturer first, as they often will accept their products for recycling. If no program is available, the item may be accepted at the Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center.