Resident guide · Checked against the source

Dispose of batteries and hazardous waste in Austin

Keep batteries, paint, chemicals, and other household hazardous waste out of ordinary carts and match each item to a safe Austin collection or drop-off route.

Short answer

Austin Resource Recovery says batteries do not belong in curbside trash, recycling, or compost. Austin and Travis County households may have a battery drop-off, an appointment-only Recycle and Reuse Center visit, or—when eligible—an on-demand household hazardous-waste collection. Accepted items, business rules, appointments, and safety preparation differ, so confirm the exact item before moving it.

Who this is for

Austin and Travis County households deciding how to handle batteries, paint, automotive fluids, cleaners, pesticides, pool chemicals, propane cylinders, or similar waste.

Next steps

  1. Identify the item and keep batteries out of every curbside cart; do not combine unknown chemicals or move an actively hot, smoking, or burning item.
  2. Check the current official page for a battery location, accepted hazardous-waste item, household or business restriction, and pickup or drop-off eligibility.
  3. Schedule the collection or Center appointment when required and follow the official container, labeling, quantity, leak, and set-out instructions exactly.
  4. For an active fire, dangerous heat, fumes, or exposure, move away and use emergency help instead of transporting the item to a drop-off site.

Have this ready

  • The exact item, container, quantity, and whether it is damaged or leaking
  • Whether the waste came from a household or business
  • Austin or Travis County residency and Austin Resource Recovery curbside status
  • The official accepted-item guidance and appointment confirmation

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Putting any battery in a trash, recycling, or compost cart
  • Mixing chemicals or bringing damaged containers in a trash bag
  • Arriving without an appointment or assuming business waste is eligible
  • Transporting a hot, smoking, burning, or otherwise dangerous item

Official sources

Checked August 10, 2026. Recheck the official page monthly and when the official page changes.

Prepare the safe-disposal route

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