Columbia County Battery Recycling Drop-off Program

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Columbia County Battery Recycling Drop-off Program

Collected and sent 1,320 pounds of batteries for recycling in the first six months

ST. HELENS, Ore., October 21, 2026 — Columbia County started the household battery drop-off program in March 2026. Since then, we have safely collected, packaged, and sent 1,320 pounds of batteries for recycling. Battery recyclers break down batteries into their base components such as nickel, cobalt, lithium, steel and plastic. These materials are used to make new products including new batteries.

Never throw batteries in the trash or recycling bins because they can cause fires when they get crushed or damaged during collection or processing. Lithium-ion batteries are one of the biggest concerns because they can easily overheat, explode and reignite.

Residents can bring accepted batteries to the Columbia County Transfer Station Scale House located at 1601 Railroad Ave. in St. Helens and to Household Hazardous Waste collection events. Put alkaline batteries in a clear plastic bag and all other batteries in another bag. Each battery must weigh under five pounds.

Accepted items include:

• All cellphones
• Button and coin cell batteries
• Household batteries
• Laptop batteries
• Lithium-ion batteries
• Power tool batteries
• Rechargeable batteries

Small, sealed lead-acid and automotive lead-acid batteries are accepted for a fee.

The following items are not accepted:

• Batteries that cannot be removed from products (except cellphones);
• Batteries heavier than 5 pounds;
• E-bike and E-scooters lithium-ion batteries,
• Electric and hybrid vehicle batteries;
• RV, golf cart, lawn mower lithium-ion batteries, battery storage systems and larger batteries.

For large batteries call the manufacturer or search https://batterynetwork.org/locator/ for recycling options.

“This program gives residents a safe and convenient way to recycle batteries while helping protect drivers, workers, and facilities from fires,” said Tatum Flowers, Solid Waste Coordinator.

Contact information

Email: solidwaste@columbiacountyor.gov

Phone number: 503-397-7259

Website: https://www.columbiacountyor.gov/departments/SolidWaste/batteries

ABOUT COLUMBIA COUNTY’S SOLID WASTE PROGRAM

Columbia County’s Solid Waste Program plans, organizes, and supports recycling, reuse, waste reduction, and household hazardous waste management programs throughout Columbia County. The program also operates the Columbia County Transfer Station in St. Helens and administers solid waste collection services within unincorporated areas of the county.