Batteries

Batteries are considered household hazardous waste and are prohibited by State law to be thrown away in the garbage. Batteries must be properly disposed.

Proper Disposal Options
  • Drop off your used batteries at 1 of Orange County Household Hazardous Waste Facilities listed on the Household Hazardous Waste page.
  • Drop off your used batteries at City Hall located at:
    22112 El Paseo
    Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
  • Residents may call Curbside, Inc. at 800-449-7587 to schedule a household pickup of batteries. Please call Curbside, Inc. for pricing and scheduling.
  • Visit the Earth 911 website for a list of additional locations.
Group of a variety of batteries

Acceptable Non-Rechargeable Battery Types

Type Common Uses
Alkaline Radios, appliances, etc.
Carbon-zinc Flashlights, toys, etc.
Lithium Cameras, calculators, watches, computers, etc.
Mercury Hearing aids, pacemakers, cameras, calculators, watches, etc.
Silver Hearing aids, watches, cameras, and calculators
Zinc Hearing aids and pagers

Acceptable Rechargeable Battery Types

Type Common Uses
Nickel-cadmium
 Cameras and rechargeable appliances (i.e. portable power tools)
Small sealed lead-acid
 Camcorders, computers, portable radios and tape players, cellular phones, etc.