The NYS Rechargeable Battery Law (Law), Article 27, Title 18 of the Environmental Conservation Law makes it illegal to throw rechargeable batteries in the trash. See the charts below to see what types of batteries are accepted at the County’s Household Material Recovery Facility in Valhalla.
Lithium ion batteries are an increasing cause of fires in Westchester and across the country. Check out the County's Department of Emergency Services' video on Lithium ion battery safe practices, as well as their website for more safety tips, including information on safe charging. The H-MRF will accept lithium-ion batteries that are damaged or otherwise ready for disposal. For more information, check out the informational flyer co-created by the Department of Environmental Facilities and Department of Emergency Services.
For alternative locations, additional resources and information on battery recycling including, lithium ion batteries, cell phones and e-bike recycling, visit Call2Recycle's webpage.
If transporting lithium ion batteries to an appointment at the Household Material Recovery Facility:
- Separate batteries when transporting
- Individually bag batteries or tape ends - Video on Lithium Ion Battery Safe Practices
- Note: Device Storage Sleeves used for transport will be returned to residents.
- If transporting lithium-ion batteries that are damaged, take care to package them for transport and then place them in sand or kitty litter
- Additional Safety Tips for lithium-ion batteries from Westchester County Emergency Services
| Type of Battery |
Common Uses | Proper Disposal |
| Alkaline & Carbon Zin | Non-rechargeable batteries with many household uses, such as in remote controls and available in various sizes such as AA, AAA, D | Household Garbage |
| Type of Battery | Common Uses | Proper Disposal |
| Lead-Acid Batteries | Car and truck batteries | H-MRF |
| Lithium/Lithium Ion | Computers, cameras, cell phones, e-cigarettes, smart watches, scooters, battery powered snow blowers | H-MRF |
| Mercuric Oxide (Button) | Medical equipment | H-MRF |
| Nickel-Cadmium | Smoke alarms, tools, household uses | H-MRF |
| Nickel-Zinc (Rechargeable) | Cordless phones, older cell phones, cordless power tools, laptop computers, two-way radios, camcorders, remote control toys, and other cordless products | H-MRF |
| Silver Oxide (Button) | Calculators, traditional watches | H-MRF |
| Small Sealed Lead-Acid | Tools, camcorders | H-MRF |
| Zinc-air (Button) | Hearing aids | H-MRF |
In addition to recycling batteries at the H-MRF, residents can recycle rechargeable batteries or rechargeable battery containing products at retail stores that sell these products in New York State, as required by the NYS Rechargeable Battery Law.
Rechargeable battery types covered by the Law, include any and all rechargeable batteries, including, but not limited to:
- Nickel-cadmium
- Sealed lead
- Lithium ion
- Nickel metal hydride
- Any other dry cell battery capable of being recharged
- Battery packs containing any of the above-mentioned batteries
* The law does not cover any of the above-mentioned batteries/packs weighing 25 pounds or more
For more information regarding battery recycling and disposal, consumer responsibilities, manufacturer requirements and retailer requirements in New York State visit the Department of Environmental Conservation webpage