Columbia County Launches Battery Recycling Drop-off Program (Photo) - 05/15/26

New year-round drop-off program makes battery recycling easier and helps prevent fires

ST. HELENS, Ore., May 15, 2026 — Columbia County residents can now recycle most household batteries for free through a new year-round drop-off program at the Columbia County Transfer Station.

The new program gives residents a safer and easier way to dispose of household batteries while helping reduce fire risks at waste facilities and in garbage trucks.

Batteries thrown in the trash or recycling can catch fire if they become damaged or crushed during collection or processing. Lithium-ion batteries are one of the biggest concerns because they can overheat and ignite.

“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.

Residents can bring accepted batteries to the scale house at the Columbia County Transfer Station at 1601 Railroad Ave. in St. Helens.

The new program expands battery recycling access beyond household hazardous waste collection events and gives residents a more convenient year-round option.

Collected batteries are stored in special containers designed to safely hold damaged or overheating batteries before they are recycled.

Accepted items include:

• Household batteries
• Rechargeable batteries
• Lithium-ion batteries
• Button and coin cell batteries
• Cellphones
• Power tool batteries
• Laptop batteries
• Small sealed lead-acid batteries under 25 pounds

Vehicle lead-acid batteries are accepted for a fee.

The following items are not accepted:

• Electric vehicle batteries
• Large battery storage systems
• Batteries that cannot be removed from products (except cellphones)

Additional information is available at:
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.