Batteries

you can recycle most batteries, and some are BANNED FROM LANDFILLS…

Stop! Do NOT put batteries in your recycling bin. They must be taken to a drop-off location for proper recycling. Only one battery type (standard alkaline) do not have issues going into a landfill, or they can be recycled at a drop-off location.

Use this page to learn more about batteries. Read labels to know what battery type it is and learn how to tape your batteries to save money on recycling fees at Marathon County Solid Waste Department. See our list of collection locations below.

Our RATES & FEES Sheet was updated January 2024 with details about Battery Recycling options and fees.

Household/Alkaline Batteries:

Alkaline batteries (AAA, AA, C, D-cell, 6V, 9V) are not hazardous and can be placed in regular garbage however, they can be recycled to recover their materials at certain locations often times for a fee. If you prefer to landfill your batteries at our facility, MCSWD will accept them for a disposal fee of $10 minimum.

Other CONSUMER Batteries:

Some types may be considered hazardous materials and need to be recycled properly. The images on this page and the videos below will help you determine which type of battery you have and how to prepare the battery for safe recycling. View our Battery Recycling & Disposal flier for specific battery recycling.

Please call ahead for specific details and directions regarding your batteries.  Drop-off Locations:  

  • Marathon County Solid Waste Department - 172900 State Hwy. 29, Ringle - 715-344-8198

  • Reigel Ace Hardware - 1701 S. Galvin, Marshfield - 715-387-3411

  • Hiller's True Value - 751 S. Central Avenue, Marshfield - 715-384-9101

Tape Your Batteries

Save money and keep our workers safe by taping the terminals on your batteries before recycling at a drop-off location. Taping battery terminals helps reduce fire hazards! A small charge may still remain in batteries at the end of their life. With the increase in use of rechargeable batteries, more hazards in handling, transporting, and recycling are occurring nationwide. Marathon County Solid Waste Department now requires batteries to be taped before being sent for recycling.

You can save some money by taping your batteries before dropping them off for recycling. Click the videos below to learn more. All batteries should be sorted by size & type, and stored in plastic bags. Additional fees may be charged for un-taped or un-sorted batteries.

AUTOMOTIVE (vehicle) lead-acid Batteries:

Lead-acid batteries from cars, motorcycles, boats, trucks, and other motorized-type vehicles are banned from disposal in Wisconsin’s landfills. They can be recycled at a number of locations, including those listed below. Fees may apply.

Please call ahead for specific details and directions regarding your batteries.  Drop-off Locations:

  • Marathon County Solid Waste Department - 172900 State Hwy. 29, Ringle - 715-344-8198

  • Batteries Plus Bulbs - 4511 Rib Mountain Drive, Wausau - 715-355-9201

  • AutoZone - 5406 Business Hwy 51, Weston - 715-241-8611

  • O’Reilly Auto Parts - 600 S. 17th Avenue, Wausau - 715-845-3873

  • O’Reilly Auto Parts - 3103 Schofield Avenue, Schofield - 715-359-7207 

Know Your Batteries

See these resources below for short video clips on knowing which battery type you have and how to prepare it for recycling. The images below also show you the different types of batteries we use in our life. Knowing which type of battery you have will help you determine how to safely dispose or recycle it at the end of its life.

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