Disposal Ban
As of August 1, 2023, D.C. Official Code § 8-771.09 bans the disposal of single-use and rechargeable household batteries in the trash. These items must be properly recycled.
Stewardship Program
Batteries: The Battery Network (formally known as Call2Recycle), the District’s battery stewardship organization launched the nation’s first Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) all battery recycling program on November 1, 2023.
- Consumers in the District can now drop-off household batteries for recycling at designated sites throughout the city. To get more details on the program visit The Battery Network’s District program page.
- Producers of covered batteries and battery-containing products: learn about your responsibilities and register with the stewardship organization.
If an organization is interested in signing up as a collection location and receive free collection and educational materials, please visit Washington DC Collection Site Sign Up Form - The Battery Network.
- Locations interested in becoming battery collection sites for the District’s program: review this letter discussing the responsibilities involved and how to learn more, and contact The Battery Network’s staff, Roxane Peggs, at [email protected] or (678) 218-4587.
As of August 1, 2023, D.C. Official Code § 8-771.09 bans the disposal of single-use and rechargeable household batteries in the trash. These items must be properly recycled.
Learn more about recycling batteries at Department of Public Works’ Household Hazardous Waste or view the resources found at Avoid The Spark - The Battery Network.
Convenient Drop-Off
The District Battery Stewardship program provides convenient drop-off locations for secure, accessible, and safe battery recycling at end-of-life for both single-use and rechargeable household batteries.
Upcoming Events
All events are free. Please see the links and event details for more information.
- Ward 8's Roll Off Day: Saturday, April 11, 2026, 10am-2pm, at the Parking Lot of Lydia House (401 MLK Jr Ave SE, Washington, DC 20032)
- Jazz & Blossoms Festival: Sunday, April 12, 2026, 12pm-7pm, at Franklin Park (1332 I St NW, Washington, DC 20005),
- Soul of the City BID Launch: Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 12:30-3pm, at Gateway Pavillion (2806 MLK Jr. Ave SE, Washington, DC 20032)
- Mayor Muriel Bowser's 10th Annual Spring Cleanup: Saturday, April 25, 2026, 10am-1pm, Various locations citywide. Review the full list of locations.
- DC DPW's Special Waste Collection Event: Thursday, April 30, 2026, 10am-2pm, at RFK Stadium Lot 8 (2500 Independence Ave SE), Registration Required ( Must be a DC Resident and present proof of residency to enter); Learn more and register.
- Adams Morgan Spring PorchFest: Saturday, May 2, 2026, Afternoon: ~2pm-5pm, near Marie Reed School (2201 18th Street NW).
- DC DPW's Special Waste Collection Event: Saturday, May 9, 2026, 8am-2pm, at RFK Stadium Lot 8 (2500 Independence Ave SE), Registration Required (Must be a DC Resident and present proof of residency to enter) Learn more and register.
Drop-Off Locations
For more information about the District’s battery stewardship program, visit batterynetwork.org/stewarts, or find a drop-off location near you at batterynetwork.org/locator.
Damaged, Defective, or Recalled Battery
Do you have a Damaged, Defective, or Recalled (DDR) battery? DDR batteries require special attention and care for disposal. Learn more about what you need to do before disposing of DDR batteries.
Battery Producer Responsibility
Battery producers can register with the program by accessing batterynetwork.org/stewards/become-a-steward
Get mor more information on producer requirements and how to join the Stewardship Organization.
Contact Us:
Please email [email protected] with questions.