Here are some recycling and disposal options for different types of batteries in the Snohomish County area:
Rechargeable batteries
Home Depot has partnered with Call2Recycle, a non-profit battery recycling program. You can recycle rechargeable batteries free by placing them in Call2Recycle bins at the store. Note, there are some limitations, please check Home Depot’s site for more information.
Lowe’s has drop-off bins for recycling rechargeable batteries (along with compact fluorescent light bulbs, cell phones, and plastic bags). They report that they have recycled 6 million pounds of rechargeable batteries since 2004!
Single use household batteries
Snohomish County’s Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Station accepts lithium-ion (common rechargeable batteries) and all other household use batteries. Hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and is located at 3434 McDougall Ave, in Everett. Residential customers can also visit the Snohomish County Recycling and Transfer Stations and Drop Boxes, which have designated areas to drop off batteries free of charge.
In addition to the bins at Home Depot, Call2Recycle offers the option of shipping batteries to them for recycling, including both rechargeable and single use disposable batteries. Check their site to learn more about what happens to your batteries when they are recycled.
Lead acid automative batteries
You can recycle automotive batteries at Snohomish County recycling / transfer stations or hazardous waste facility.
You can also take automotive batteries to most local auto parts stores for recycling. If you need a new car battery, take your old battery with you. Sometimes they will give you credit for the old battery, as the materials in them are sought after.