While "household" alkaline batteries can be tossed in the garbage, it is DANGEROUS to discard all rechargeable and most single-use batteries with trash or recycling.

Items such as Electronic waste should be kept out of landfills because it contains toxic materials that have the potential to leach into our soil and water and harm our local environment and health. Batteries can catch fire and even explode. Improper disposal can lead to serious property damage, injury, and even death. Keep yourself and others safe by following battery disposal guidelines. E-waste also contains valuable materials that can be recovered.

Places where you can drop off batteries and other electronics:

Home Depot - (1601 13th Ave E Tuscaloosa) takes Rechargeable Batteries

Lowe's - (5703 McFarland Blvd Northport) takes Rechargeable Batteries and cell phones

Lowe's - (4900 Oscar Baxter Dr. Tuscaloosa) takes Rechargeable Batteries and cell phones

The City of Tuscaloosa's Richard A. Curry Environmental Complex - (3440 Reese Phifer Ave Tuscaloosa) For more questions call 311 or 205-248-5311.

For safety tips and information on Lithium-ion batteries Click Here.

Curry Environmental Complex Acceptable Electronic Items:

Other Household Hazardous Waste

Old or outdated chemicals can also be dangerous. Not just from the exposure after a storm or from a potential fire or poising risk but chemicals can break down. Improper disposal of these wastes can pose a threat to human health and the environment.

Annually normally in June the City of Tuscaloosa Environmental Services Department and NUCOR Steel of Tuscaloosa hold a Household Hazardous Waste collection event. This program accepts household-generated hazardous waste from residents of Tuscaloosa County ONLY. No business waste is accepted. Items dropped off will either be neutralized and recycled into new product or safely and properly disposed.

Examples of household hazardous wastes include: household cleaners, automotive fluids, paint/paint thinner, herbicides, pool chemicals, batteries, propane tanks, antifreeze, pesticides, oil or gasoline, light bulbs, lawn chemicals/fertilizers, and more.