Disposable household batteries and NiMH rechargeable batteries can be dropped off at all recycling centers, waste disposal centers, and the Mainz Environmental Store. In addition, there are designated collection bins in supermarkets, home improvement stores, and drugstores. 

Lead-acid batteries, such as car batteries, can be returned to automotive retailers or dropped off at the hazardous waste collection point at the North Waste Disposal Center in Budenheim and the South Waste Disposal Center in Mainz-Hechtsheim.

Small lithium-ion batteries, such as those from smartphones, are accepted at all recycling centers and both waste disposal centers. Important: To prevent short circuits, please cover the terminals with tape before disposal.

Large lithium-ion batteries or LV batteries (batteries for light vehicles, e.g., e-bikes and e-scooters) can be dropped off at the South Waste Disposal Center and at the hazardous waste collection point at the North Waste Disposal Center. Here, too, the terminals should be taped over.

Swollen and defective batteries may only be dropped off at the hazardous waste collection point at the North Waste Disposal Center. There, they will be safely stored and handed over to a specialized company.

Whether it’s a regular battery or a rechargeable battery: Under no circumstances should they be disposed of with household trash. Every week across Germany, fires break out in waste treatment facilities and garbage trucks due to improperly disposed-of rechargeable batteries. This poses an immediate danger not only to the employees working there but also to nearby residents.

More information on this topic will be available in the upcoming issue of Mainzer Müll Magazin, which will be distributed to all households in Mainz at the end of August.