Massachusetts guide
How to get rid of a car battery in Massachusetts
Lead-acid batteries are banned from landfills and combustion facilities in Massachusetts. Retailers often take a used battery when you buy a new one. Towns may also accept them at the transfer station.
Facts checked against Mass.gov and town sources on 2026-11-05.
Statewide ban
- MassDEP lists lead acid batteries among materials banned from disposal or transfer for disposal.
- MassDEP's hazardous household products guide: do not throw automotive batteries in the trash; most automotive battery retailers accept a used battery for recycling when you purchase a new one.
Sources: MassDEP Waste Disposal Bans, Guide to Safely Managing Hazardous Household Products (PDF).
Town pages with battery fees
- Attleboro - Propane tanks, cardboard, batteries (non-alkaline), fluorescent bulbs, clothing, books: No charge if in trash program
- Brewster - Auto battery: $2
- Chatham - Auto / motorcycle / mower battery: $5 each
- Dennis - Automotive batteries: Free
- Eastham - Car batteries / batteries: Free
- Falmouth - Antifreeze, batteries, books, textiles, food scraps, cooking oil, fluorescent bulbs, mercury switches, motor oil: No sticker/fee for listed free drop-offs on fee page
- Framingham - Universal waste (antifreeze, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, mercury devices, motor oil, oil filters): No charge during open hours
- Kingston - Auto batteries: Place on pallets near waste oil (no separate dollar fee listed on FY27 rates table)
- Middleborough - Lead-acid battery: $7 each
- Orleans - Residential waste oil, antifreeze, gasoline, fluorescent tubes, auto/boat batteries: No charge
- Taunton - Lead acid battery: $10
- Wellesley - Automotive batteries / waste oil: Accepted in special/hazardous areas per Recycling Guide