Battery Disposal & Recycling in Hamilton County, Indiana
Last Updated: August 2026
Batteries shouldn’t all be disposed of the same way. Rechargeable and lithium-ion batteries require special handling, while ordinary alkaline household batteries can be handled differently.
Use this Hamilton County guide to find out which batteries can go in household trash, which should be recycled and where Hamilton County residents can take rechargeable and automotive batteries.
Quick Answer
Hamilton County’s Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Drop-Off Center accepts rechargeable batteries, including lithium, lithium-ion, nickel-metal hydride and nickel-cadmium batteries, as well as lead-acid batteries from vehicles, sump pumps, golf carts and battery-backup systems.
Alkaline batteries are NOT accepted at the HHW Center. Hamilton County says ordinary alkaline batteries can be placed in household trash.
Never put any type of battery in curbside recycling, and never put rechargeable batteries in curbside trash.
Where to Take Rechargeable Batteries
Hamilton County residents can take accepted rechargeable batteries to:
Hamilton County Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Center
1717 Pleasant Street
Noblesville, IN 46060
Hours:
Tuesday–Friday: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Sunday & Monday: Closed
The facility is also closed on Hamilton County government holidays. Proof of Hamilton County residency is required, and the facility is for residents disposing of their own household materials — not businesses, contractors or residents from outside the county.
→ Visit Hamilton County HHW Drop-Off Center
Rechargeable & Lithium Batteries
Rechargeable batteries should not go into your household trash or curbside recycling.
Hamilton County accepts rechargeable battery types including:
- Lithium
- Lithium-ion
- Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH)
- Nickel-cadmium (NiCd)
- Lead-acid batteries
These batteries are commonly found in phones, laptops, power tools, wireless electronics, e-bikes, mobility devices and many other rechargeable products.
→ View Rechargeable Battery Disposal Information
Alkaline Batteries
Ordinary alkaline household batteries are not accepted at the Hamilton County HHW Center.
Hamilton County says today’s alkaline batteries don’t contain regulated metals or enough recoverable metal for its recycling program and can be placed in regular household trash.
That generally includes common disposable alkaline batteries such as AA and AAA batteries.
Don’t put them in your curbside recycling bin.
Car & Lead-Acid Batteries
Hamilton County’s HHW Center accepts lead-acid batteries, including batteries from:
- Cars and trucks
- Golf carts
- Sump-pump systems
- Battery-backup systems
Automotive retailers and battery stores may also offer recycling when you replace a vehicle battery.
→ View Hamilton County Materials Accepted
How to Prepare Batteries for Drop-Off
Hamilton County recommends keeping rechargeable batteries separate from other materials you’re bringing to the HHW Center.
For batteries with exposed terminals, clear tape can be placed over the ends to prevent batteries from touching each other and potentially causing a thermal reaction.
Don’t pile loose rechargeable batteries together.
If you’re removing a battery from a device, turn the device off first.
Damaged or Swollen Batteries
Take extra care with a battery that is swollen, damaged, leaking, unusually hot or otherwise abnormal.
Hamilton County recommends placing a damaged or swollen battery in a metal container with dry sand or kitty litter when preparing it for disposal and labeling the container with the type of battery and date.
If a lithium-ion battery is actively overheating, smoking or creating an immediate fire danger, move away from it and contact emergency services rather than attempting to transport it.
Before You Go
If you’re taking batteries to the Hamilton County HHW Center:
- Bring proof of Hamilton County residency.
- Keep batteries separated from other materials.
- Cover exposed battery terminals when appropriate.
- Don’t bring ordinary alkaline batteries — those aren’t accepted.
- Don’t put rechargeable batteries in trash or curbside recycling.
- Check current requirements before transporting a damaged battery.
- The program is for residential household waste only.
Advance registration for an HHW drop-off is encouraged but isn’t required.
→ Register for an HHW Drop-Off Visit
Local Tips
Don’t put batteries in the blue recycling bin. Hamilton County specifically warns against putting any battery into curbside recycling.
Be especially careful with lithium-ion batteries. They can retain substantial energy even when they no longer adequately power a device.
Tape exposed terminals before transporting rechargeable batteries. This helps keep batteries from contacting each other and creating a reaction.
Don’t throw away the entire device without checking the battery. Phones, laptops, power tools and many other electronics contain rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
You have options besides the county facility. Hamilton County also identifies several retailers and battery-recycling programs that accept certain rechargeable batteries, although accepted types can vary by location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I recycle batteries in Hamilton County?
Hamilton County residents can take accepted rechargeable and lead-acid batteries to the Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Center at 1717 Pleasant Street in Noblesville.
→ Hamilton County Battery Recycling Information
Can alkaline batteries go in the trash?
Yes. Hamilton County says ordinary alkaline batteries can be disposed of with regular household trash. They aren’t accepted at the county HHW Center.
Can batteries go in my curbside recycling bin?
No. Hamilton County says never put any type of battery in curbside recycling.
Can lithium-ion batteries go in the trash?
No. Lithium-ion and other rechargeable batteries should be properly recycled rather than placed in household trash.
Does Hamilton County accept car batteries?
Yes. Lead-acid batteries from cars and trucks are among the battery types accepted at the HHW Center.
What should I do with a swollen lithium battery?
Don’t place it in ordinary trash or recycling. Hamilton County recommends special precautions for damaged or swollen batteries, including isolating the battery in a metal container with dry sand or kitty litter before turn-in.
Do I need an appointment?
Advance registration is encouraged, but Hamilton County says residents won’t be refused simply because they didn’t preregister.
Related Pages
Official Resources
Hamilton County Battery Safety & Recycling
Accepted battery types, preparation instructions, lithium-ion safety and disposal guidance.
→ View Battery Safety & Recycling
Hamilton County HHW Drop-Off Center
Location, hours, residency requirements and procedures for household hazardous waste drop-offs.
→ Visit HHW Drop-Off Center
Hamilton County Materials Accepted
Check which batteries and other household materials are currently accepted by the county program.
→ View Materials Accepted
Summary
Hamilton County residents can recycle rechargeable, lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride and lead-acid batteries through the county Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Center in Noblesville.
Ordinary alkaline batteries aren’t accepted by the county HHW program and may be placed in household trash. Batteries should never be placed in curbside recycling, and rechargeable batteries should never go into ordinary household trash.