Battery Recycling in Santa Barbara, CA
Single-family residents can bag taped household batteries on top of the blue cart; batteries are also free at MarBorg's Santa Barbara Recycle Facility (residential customers) and the County HHW center at UCSB.
See all 7 optionsCheck before you go
Not yet confirmed: we couldn’t check this detail against a current source.
- The City table marks household batteries and all types of paint as accepted at the Community Hazardous Waste center at UCSB. (How to Dispose of Everything (City of Santa Barbara Sustainability & Resilience) (opens in new tab))
Checked October 26, 2026 · Call before you go · How we check
Before you go
- Tape the terminals of lithium and rechargeable batteries before transport.
- Keep damaged, swollen or leaking batteries separate and tell the operator.
- Ask which battery types are accepted; car batteries often go somewhere different.
California rules
- California law prohibits putting old batteries in the trash or in household recycling bins. Source: DTSC: Universal Waste for Residents - Batteries (opens in new tab)
- Common household batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt and button cells, single-use or rechargeable) can be hazardous waste when discarded. Source: DTSC: Universal Waste for Residents - Batteries (opens in new tab)
More California rules (16)
- Store old batteries in a safe, dry place away from flammables and tape over the terminals to avoid fires. Source: DTSC: Universal Waste for Residents - Batteries (opens in new tab)
- Many local governments and retailers accept old batteries; DTSC says to contact your local waste service provider. Source: DTSC: Universal Waste for Residents - Batteries (opens in new tab)
- Retailers that sell rechargeable batteries must accept consumers' used rechargeable batteries; take-back of other batteries such as alkalines is voluntary. Source: DTSC: Universal Waste for Residents - Batteries (opens in new tab)
- CalRecycle lists all batteries, rechargeable and single-use, plus lead-acid car batteries, as banned from the trash, recycling and organics bins. Source: CalRecycle: Waste Banned from the Trash (opens in new tab)
- Lead-acid battery dealers must accept used starting, motive-power and vehicle auxiliary lead-acid batteries without charging a fee, but need not take more than six per person per day. Source: California Health and Safety Code section 25215.2 (lead-acid battery dealers) (opens in new tab)
- Buyers of a replacement lead-acid battery pay a nonrefundable $2 California battery fee and a refundable deposit, credited if a used battery is returned at purchase or within 45 days with the receipt. Source: California Health and Safety Code section 25215.2 (lead-acid battery dealers) (opens in new tab)
- A household hazardous waste facility may refuse spent batteries beyond its storage capacity and may charge a fee limited to its handling, storage and disposal costs for them. Source: California Health and Safety Code section 25216.1 (spent battery collection) (opens in new tab)
- The Responsible Battery Recycling Act of 2022 (AB 2440) requires battery producers to set up a stewardship program for collecting and recycling covered loose and easily removable batteries; it repeals the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act on January 1, 2027. Source: DTSC: Universal Waste for Residents - Batteries (opens in new tab)
- Automotive-type lead-acid batteries are not universal waste; they fall under separate rules. Source: DTSC: Universal Waste for Residents - Batteries (opens in new tab)
- Under the dealer rules, a lead-acid battery weighs over five kilograms, is mainly lead and sulfuric acid, and has a capacity of six volts or more. Source: California Health and Safety Code section 25215.1 (lead-acid battery definitions) (opens in new tab)
- DTSC says universal wastes (batteries, electronic waste, CRTs, lamps, mercury wastes, non-empty aerosol cans and PV modules) must go to a designated handler or recycler and cannot go in household trash or landfills. Source: DTSC: Universal Waste (opens in new tab)
- It is illegal to dispose of household hazardous waste in the trash, down the drain, or by abandonment; it must go to a household hazardous waste facility. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
- DTSC lists antifreeze, batteries, e-waste, household cleaners, paints, pesticides, pool cleaners, solvents, used oil and mercury wastes among common household hazardous wastes. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
- Many cities and counties run household hazardous waste collection programs; DTSC keeps a map of HHW facilities. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
- Many HHW facilities keep set days and hours, some cap daily amounts, some only hold events once or twice a year, and many require an appointment. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
- CalRecycle says it is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the garbage, down storm drains or onto the ground. Source: CalRecycle: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
Where this information comes from (37)
Where this information comes from
Checked October 26, 2026
- Santa Barbara Recycling Center (MarBorg Industries) (opens in new tab) · MarBorg Industries
- Free drop-off at the Santa Barbara Recycle Facility includes scrap metals and cardboard. Checked October 26, 2026.
- E-waste (computers, monitors and anything with a cord), batteries and oil- and water-based paint are free for residential customers only. Checked October 26, 2026.
- How to Dispose of Everything (City of Santa Barbara Sustainability & Resilience) (opens in new tab) · City of Santa Barbara
- Batteries, cell phones and other electronics can always be taken to MarBorg's Santa Barbara Recycle Facility (ABOP) at 132 Nopalitos Way. Checked October 26, 2026.
- The City of Santa Barbara says the HHW drop-off facilities it lists, including the Community Hazardous Waste Collection Center at UCSB, are free to residents unless otherwise indicated. Checked October 26, 2026.
- The City table marks household batteries and all types of paint as accepted at the Community Hazardous Waste center at UCSB. Checked October 25, 2026 (automated check) · not yet confirmed.
- Single-family residents can set out household batteries (taped) and cell phones in a plastic bag on top of the blue recycling cart for pickup on the regular collection day. Checked October 26, 2026.
- In apartments, the landlord can request a free orange battery bucket from MarBorg. Checked October 26, 2026.
- County Waste Facilities (LessIsMore.org, County of Santa Barbara) (opens in new tab) · County of Santa Barbara Resource Recovery & Waste Management Division
- Residents must show proof of residency (driver's license, utility bill or car registration). Checked October 26, 2026.
- PaintCare drop-off site locator data (sites.json) (opens in new tab) · PaintCare
- PaintCare lists Community Hazardous Waste Collection Center at USCB EH&S Bldg - 565 Mesa Rd, Santa Barbara 93106 as a paint drop-off site (HHW and VSQG Businesses in Santa Barbara County - Unincorporated Areas Goleta Solvang Santa Barbara). Checked October 26, 2026.
- PaintCare lists Santa Maria Landfill and HHW Facility at 2065 E Main St, Santa Maria 93454 as a paint drop-off site (Households and VSQG Businesses in Santa Barbara County San Luis Obispo County Santa Maria). Checked October 26, 2026.
- PaintCare lists Santa Maria Recycle Center at 1850 W Betteravia Rd, Santa Maria 93455 as a paint drop-off site (Households and VSQG Businesses in Santa Barbara County). Checked October 26, 2026.
- City of Santa Barbara HHW Collection Events (MarBorg Industries) (opens in new tab) · MarBorg Industries
- The City of Santa Barbara, MarBorg and Clean Harbors offer free HHW collection events for City residents throughout the year. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Events accept household and auto batteries, computers and other e-waste, and latex and oil-based paints. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Events are at La Playa Stadium Parking Lot (2-C), Santa Barbara City College, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.: Nov 14, 2026; Mar 6, 2027; Jun 12, 2027. Checked October 26, 2026.
- City of Santa Maria Household Hazardous Waste Facility (LessIsMore.org location page) (opens in new tab) · County of Santa Barbara Resource Recovery & Waste Management Division
- The City of Santa Maria HHW Facility at 2065 East Main Street is open to households Wednesdays 10 a.m.–1 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Checked October 26, 2026.
- The Santa Maria HHW Facility accepts household and vehicle batteries and oil-based and latex paint, among other hazardous wastes. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Household loads are limited to 15 gallons or 125 pounds per trip, in containers no larger than 5 gallons. Checked October 26, 2026.
- MarBorg Industries Recycling/ABOP Center - Santa Maria (LessIsMore.org location page) (opens in new tab) · County of Santa Barbara Resource Recovery & Waste Management Division
- Household batteries are free for residents of unincorporated areas and Solvang; residents of other areas pay a fee. Checked October 26, 2026.
- The center accepts household and auto batteries and various electronics and small appliances. Checked October 26, 2026.
- DTSC: Universal Waste for Residents - Batteries (opens in new tab) · California Department of Toxic Substances Control
- California law prohibits putting old batteries in the trash or in household recycling bins. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Common household batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt and button cells, single-use or rechargeable) can be hazardous waste when discarded. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Store old batteries in a safe, dry place away from flammables and tape over the terminals to avoid fires. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Many local governments and retailers accept old batteries; DTSC says to contact your local waste service provider. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Retailers that sell rechargeable batteries must accept consumers' used rechargeable batteries; take-back of other batteries such as alkalines is voluntary. Checked October 26, 2026.
- The Responsible Battery Recycling Act of 2022 (AB 2440) requires battery producers to set up a stewardship program for collecting and recycling covered loose and easily removable batteries; it repeals the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act on January 1, 2027. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Automotive-type lead-acid batteries are not universal waste; they fall under separate rules. Checked October 26, 2026.
- CalRecycle: Waste Banned from the Trash (opens in new tab) · CalRecycle
- CalRecycle lists all batteries, rechargeable and single-use, plus lead-acid car batteries, as banned from the trash, recycling and organics bins. Checked October 26, 2026.
- California Health and Safety Code section 25215.2 (lead-acid battery dealers) (opens in new tab) · California Legislative Information
- Lead-acid battery dealers must accept used starting, motive-power and vehicle auxiliary lead-acid batteries without charging a fee, but need not take more than six per person per day. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Buyers of a replacement lead-acid battery pay a nonrefundable $2 California battery fee and a refundable deposit, credited if a used battery is returned at purchase or within 45 days with the receipt. Checked October 26, 2026.
- California Health and Safety Code section 25215.1 (lead-acid battery definitions) (opens in new tab) · California Legislative Information
- Under the dealer rules, a lead-acid battery weighs over five kilograms, is mainly lead and sulfuric acid, and has a capacity of six volts or more. Checked October 26, 2026.
- California Health and Safety Code section 25216.1 (spent battery collection) (opens in new tab) · California Legislative Information
- A household hazardous waste facility may refuse spent batteries beyond its storage capacity and may charge a fee limited to its handling, storage and disposal costs for them. Checked October 26, 2026.
- DTSC: Universal Waste (opens in new tab) · California Department of Toxic Substances Control
- DTSC says universal wastes (batteries, electronic waste, CRTs, lamps, mercury wastes, non-empty aerosol cans and PV modules) must go to a designated handler or recycler and cannot go in household trash or landfills. Checked October 26, 2026.
- DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · California Department of Toxic Substances Control
- It is illegal to dispose of household hazardous waste in the trash, down the drain, or by abandonment; it must go to a household hazardous waste facility. Checked October 26, 2026.
- DTSC lists antifreeze, batteries, e-waste, household cleaners, paints, pesticides, pool cleaners, solvents, used oil and mercury wastes among common household hazardous wastes. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Many cities and counties run household hazardous waste collection programs; DTSC keeps a map of HHW facilities. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Many HHW facilities keep set days and hours, some cap daily amounts, some only hold events once or twice a year, and many require an appointment. Checked October 26, 2026.
- CalRecycle: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · CalRecycle
- CalRecycle says it is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the garbage, down storm drains or onto the ground. Checked October 26, 2026.
“Checked” means we read the official page on that date. Things can change, so call before you go.
How we check our information