Are there any services which will pick up batteries from a residence?

Home pick-up services for used batteries are available in some areas, such as the Recology Sunset Scavenger program in the San Francisco area. However, many battery pick-up programs simply dispose of batteries in landfills rather than recycling them, as reported by the environmental information website Environment, Health and Safety Online.

Batteries contain many toxic chemicals and heavy metals that may seep into groundwater if the batteries are left in a landfill rather than properly recycled. Inquiring with a specific pick-up service as to their method of battery disposal can help homeowners decide if they prefer to use the pick-up service or recycle their batteries in person.