D.C. Launches A Battery Recycling Program for Drop-Offs

On November 1, 2023, Washington, D.C. became the first U.S. city to launch a battery recycling program funded by battery manufacturers. The program allows the public to drop off used batteries free of charge at locations throughout the city, where they’ll be gathered for processing. The program accepts rechargeable single-use batteries, whereas, in the past, only rechargeable batteries were collected. 

As the size and usage of batteries increase, the need to handle them properly and cautiously at the end of their useful life becomes even more crucial. When recycling and reclaiming these materials, a circular economy is created, reducing the need to mine virgin materials. The new program allows residents to drop off  rechargeable and single-use batteries up to 11 pounds.  Lithium-ion batteries must be less than 300 watt-hours and be properly packaged and wrapped as needed.   

The D.C. law mandates officials include at least 70 drop-off locations across all eight wards, with the convenience of accessibility to public transit taken into consideration. This law was established approximately three years ago but was not implemented until 2022 when emergency legislation was used to enforce the implementation. The law that developed the recycling program also constructed the Zero Waste Omnibus Amendment Act of 2020, which made it illegal to throw batteries in the trash intentionally. This law became official on August 1, 2023.  

If these batteries aren’t disposed of properly, they could end up in landfills, leading to pollution and major health risks to surrounding residents. Lithium batteries, mainly the large ones, could also present fire risks. Others, such as common alkaline and zinc carbon batteries, discharge toxic chemicals, which could soak into the soil and pollute groundwater.  

Companies such as HOBI provide disposition services for recycling used and retired IT equipment, including used batteries. HOBI focuses on maximizing the return value of retired IT assets, ensuring they are disposed of properly, and preventing waste and reusing devices as long as possible. 

For more information about our ITAD services, call 817-814-2620, visit the HOBI website, or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.