Dispose of batteries and hazardous waste in Austin

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

Key facts

• Austin Resource Recovery: batteries do not belong in curbside trash, recycling, or compost carts.
• Austin and Travis County households can use battery drop-off sites or the appointment-only Recycle and Reuse Center.
• Never transport an actively hot, smoking, or burning item; move away and use emergency help instead.

Checked August 10, 2026 against the official source.

Official sources

• Austin battery and solar-panel recycling
• Austin Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center
• Austin on-demand hazardous-waste collection

Last reviewed August 10, 2026 against the official source.

Related resident guides

• How to dispose of bulky items in Austin
• Austin 311 help: report and track a city issue
• Austin home-repair assistance programs