Portland launches curbside battery collection service

The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) in Oregon has launched a new service to collect and recycle batteries. Residents who live in a single-family house, duplex, triplex or fourplex now can recycle their batteries by placing them in a 1-quart bag that is set out with their glass recycling.

The BPS says the new service makes it easy for residents to recycle batteries and addresses the rising national issue of fires at waste and recycling facilities caused by batteries.

“Lithium-ion battery fires, often involving e-scooters, e-bikes and portable electronics, are a growing fire safety concern nationwide,” Portland Fire Marshal Kari Schimel says in a news release. “These fires can start and spread quickly, emitting large amounts of toxic smoke. For these reasons, it is critical that Portlanders safely dispose of these batteries and devices containing them and do not throw them away in their trash.”

According to the BPS, any battery that fits into a clear, sealed, 1-quart bag can be set out for curbside collection. Some batteries—which do not contain the word “alkaline” on the label—must be secured with clear tape on each end for safety, and all batteries must be sealed in a zip-tight 1-quart bag. Battery bags can be placed in residents’ glass recycling bins on the top so a collection driver can see it.

The bureau notes that some batteries are not accepted at the curb and must be dropped off for safe disposal, including those found in devices such as fitness bands, electric toothbrushes, cellphones, laptops, some toys and even “singing” birthday cards, as well as those found in vape pens, e-cigarettes and more. Drop-off locations can be found here.

The bureau says battery-caused fires in refuse trucks and processing facilities have increased dramatically in recent years, putting workers’ lives in danger and costing millions of dollars in damages.

“While batteries are essential in our daily lives, they can pose a significant fire hazard if not handled and disposed of correctly,” the Portland Haulers Association says. “By taking the time to dispose of your batteries properly, you are preventing fires and contributing to the overall safety of our community.”

Residents living in an apartment or those who have batteries at their workplaces are encouraged to seek battery recycling drop-off or mail-in options by contacting Metro’s Recycling Information Center or visiting here. Residents seeking more information about this new program can visit here.