Battery Disposal in Tippecanoe County, Indiana
Where to safely dispose of alkaline, rechargeable, lithium and automotive batteries in Tippecanoe County.
Last Updated: August 2026
Quick Answer
Where a battery goes depends on the type of battery.
Ordinary single-use alkaline batteries, such as common AA, AAA, C and D alkaline batteries, are not accepted at the Tippecanoe County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) drop-off.
Tippecanoe County says single-use alkaline batteries may be placed in your regular household trash. They should never be placed in a mixed recycling bin.
Rechargeable, lithium-ion, lead-acid and certain other batteries require different disposal and can be accepted through the county’s Household Hazardous Waste program.
Single-Use Alkaline Batteries
This section applies specifically to single-use alkaline batteries, such as:
- AA alkaline batteries
- AAA alkaline batteries
- C alkaline batteries
- D alkaline batteries
- Other standard disposable alkaline household batteries
Tippecanoe County currently says there are no local locations accepting single-use alkaline batteries for recycling.
How to dispose of them
Single-use alkaline batteries may be placed in your regular household trash.
Do not put them in your curbside or mixed recycling bin.
Residents who prefer to recycle their alkaline batteries rather than throw them away can use a mail-in battery recycling program. Tippecanoe County lists TerraCycle as a mail-in option that uses a prepaid recycling box.
Rechargeable & Lithium Batteries
Do not treat rechargeable and lithium batteries the same as ordinary alkaline batteries.
Tippecanoe County’s Household Hazardous Waste drop-off accepts several types of batteries, including:
- Lithium-ion batteries
- Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries
- Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries
- Lead-acid batteries
- Car batteries
- UPS batteries
These batteries should be handled separately rather than placed in mixed recycling.
Tippecanoe County Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off
Tippecanoe County Transfer Station
2770 N. 9th Street
Lafayette, IN 47904
Solid Waste Hotline: 765-423-2858
The Household Hazardous Waste program is free for Tippecanoe County households.
Important: The HHW drop-off does not accept ordinary single-use household batteries. It does accept the rechargeable, lithium-ion, lead-acid and other battery types listed above.
If you’re unsure what type of battery you have, call the Solid Waste Hotline before taking it to the facility.
Car Batteries
Car batteries are considered hazardous waste and should be disposed of properly.
Tippecanoe County households can take car batteries to the Household Hazardous Waste drop-off at the Transfer Station. Many automotive supply and battery stores also accept used car batteries for recycling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put AA and AAA batteries in the trash?
If they are ordinary single-use alkaline batteries, yes. Tippecanoe County says single-use alkaline batteries may go in regular household trash.
This does not mean that every AA or AAA battery belongs in the trash. Rechargeable or lithium batteries require different disposal.
Can I take regular alkaline batteries to the HHW Center?
No. Tippecanoe County specifically states that its Household Hazardous Waste drop-off does not accept single-use household batteries.
Can alkaline batteries go in my recycling bin?
No. Tippecanoe County says single-use alkaline batteries should never be placed in a mixed recycling bin.
Where can I recycle single-use alkaline batteries?
Tippecanoe County says there are currently no local locations accepting single-use alkaline batteries for recycling. The county lists TerraCycle’s prepaid mail-in recycling program as an option for residents who want to recycle them.
What about rechargeable batteries?
Rechargeable batteries are different. Tippecanoe County accepts several rechargeable battery types at its Household Hazardous Waste drop-off, including NiCd and NiMH batteries.
What about lithium-ion batteries?
Lithium-ion batteries are accepted at the Tippecanoe County Household Hazardous Waste drop-off. Do not put lithium-ion batteries in mixed recycling.
Official Resources
Tippecanoe County Household Hazardous Waste
See the county’s current list of accepted and non-accepted hazardous waste materials.
Tippecanoe County Recycling & Solid Waste District – Alkaline Batteries
See the county’s specific disposal instructions for single-use alkaline batteries.
Tippecanoe County Recycling & Solid Waste District
Search for disposal instructions for other types of batteries and household materials.
Summary
Single-use alkaline batteries: Tippecanoe County says they may go in regular household trash. They are not accepted at the HHW drop-off and should never go in mixed recycling.
Rechargeable, lithium-ion, lead-acid, car and UPS batteries: These require different handling, and Tippecanoe County accepts these battery types through its Household Hazardous Waste program.
When in doubt about the type of battery you have, call the Tippecanoe County Solid Waste Hotline at 765-423-2858 before disposal.