Quick Answer — Quick answer: Does Knoxville accept lithium batteries for disposal?
Yes — for lead-acid, lithium, and rechargeable batteries. Knoxville directs these batteries to the Solid Waste Facility / Household Hazardous Waste route at 1033 Elm Street. Alkaline batteries are excluded from this battery route, so do not mix them in without checking the official lookup tool.
Lithium-specific confirmation: Knoxville official listings identify lithium batteries alongside lead-acid and rechargeable batteries for the Solid Waste Facility route. For damaged, swollen, leaking, mixed, or unusual battery packs, use the official What Goes Where tool at [serviceandsort.knoxvilletn.gov](https://cdnsm5-hosted.civiclive.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_109478/File/WasteManagement/serviceandsort.html#!rc-cpage=531337) before transporting them.
Alkaline batteries are not accepted in this battery drop-off route. If you have single-use lithium coin cells or a mixed drawer of batteries, use the What Goes Where tool or call 3-1-1 before dropping them off so you do not mix accepted and non-accepted types.
Do not use curbside trash or recycling for lithium or rechargeable batteries. Drop-off at the Solid Waste Facility / HHW route is the confirmed safe route.
Quick facts
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Facility | City of Knoxville Household Hazardous Waste facility (inside the Solid Waste Facility) |
| Address | 1033 Elm Street, Knoxville, TN |
| Accepted batteries | Lead-acid, lithium, and rechargeable batteries — no alkaline batteries |
| Fee | Free for lead-acid, lithium, and rechargeable batteries; charges may apply if over HHW material limits |
| Payment at facility | Credit or debit only; no cash accepted |
| Eligibility | City of Knoxville and Knox County residents |
| Non-residents | Verify before driving in |
| Businesses | Not confirmed official sources |
| Hours | Mon / Tue / Thu / Fri: 7:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. |
| Wed: 7:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. | |
| Sat: 8:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. | |
| Sun: Closed | |
| Appointment needed | No — walk-in drop-off during operating hours |
| Curbside pickup | Not available for batteries |
| Car-free access | No car-free pickup or shuttle option identified |
| Verify before going | Use the What Goes Where tool or call 3-1-1 / 865-215-4311 |
Decision table: What to do with your battery type
Not all batteries are handled the same way in Knoxville. Use this table to narrow down your next step.
| Your battery type | Can it go to the Household Hazardous Waste facility? | What to do before going |
|---|---|---|
| Lithium-ion rechargeable (laptop battery, power-tool battery pack, cordless phone battery, rechargeable AA/AAA) | Yes — Knoxville lists lithium/rechargeable batteries for the facility route | Check What Goes Where tool for damaged or unusual packs |
| NiMH rechargeable (standard rechargeable AA/AAA) | Yes — falls under rechargeable category | No special steps confirmed, but verify with tool |
| NiCd rechargeable (older power-tool packs, cordless phone packs) | Yes — rechargeable category | Verify with What Goes Where tool |
| Single-use lithium (coin-cell/button-cell or non-rechargeable lithium) | Use tool/call first | Knoxville lists lithium batteries, but mixed household batteries can be confusing; verify exact item |
| Alkaline (standard disposable AA, AAA, D, C, 9V) | No for this battery route | Knoxville listings say no alkaline batteries |
| Lead-acid (car battery, UPS battery) | Yes | Listed with lithium and rechargeable batteries |
| Damaged / swollen / leaking battery | Unknown — no official handling instructions extracted | Do not transport without calling 3-1-1 for guidance |
| Battery packs with built-in electronics (phone internal battery, tablet battery) | Rechargeable category likely covers these | Verify with What Goes Where tool |
> Important: Knoxville lists lead-acid, lithium, and rechargeable batteries for the Solid Waste Facility route and excludes alkaline batteries. Use the What Goes Where tool as the final authority for mixed, damaged, swollen, leaking, or unusual battery packs.
Where to drop off lithium batteries in Knoxville
City of Knoxville Household Hazardous Waste facility
The permanent drop-off location for rechargeable batteries is the Household Hazardous Waste facility at the City Solid Waste Facility.
Address: 1033 Elm Street, Knoxville, TN 37921
Directions: The facility is on Elm Street northwest of downtown, near the intersection with Middlebrook Pike. It is inside the Solid Waste Facility grounds — follow signs for Household Hazardous Waste once you enter.
Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
- Wednesday: 7:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
- Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
- Sunday: Closed
What to expect: You drive or walk in, drop off your accepted household hazardous waste items (lead-acid, lithium, and rechargeable batteries qualify), and leave. No appointment or reservation is needed. The facility takes credit and debit cards only — no cash transactions.
No curbside pickup: Batteries cannot go in your curbside trash or recycling bin. The Knoxville Solid Waste Facility does not offer a separate pickup service for household hazardous waste items like batteries.
Jurisdiction warning: Who can use the Household Hazardous Waste facility
Confirmed eligible
The City of Knoxville's official blog states that the Household Hazardous Waste facility is for City of Knoxville and Knox County residents. If you live within Knoxville city limits or anywhere else in Knox County, you are welcome to use the facility.
Not confirmed from official sources
The following situations are not confirmed from the official pages official sources:
- Knox County residents outside city limits — very likely eligible based on "City and Knox County residents" language, but not explicitly broken out in the source texts extracted. Call 3-1-1 to confirm if you live in an unincorporated area of the county.
- Non-residents / visitors — if you live outside Knox County and are just visiting or passing through, eligibility is not confirmed from official sources. Do not assume you can use the facility.
- Out-of-state visitors — not confirmed. Call ahead.
- University students with out-of-county permanent address — if you live in a dorm or rental inside Knoxville or Knox County for most of the year, you may qualify as a resident. But this is not spelled out in the official sources. Verify with the What Goes Where tool or by calling 3-1-1.
- Businesses — not confirmed. The facility is described as serving "residents," which typically excludes commercial waste. Do not bring business-generated batteries without calling first.
> Town limits matter. The Household Hazardous Waste facility is a City of Knoxville operation. If you live in Farragut, Alcoa, Maryville, Oak Ridge, or other surrounding communities outside Knox County, the Knoxville facility may not be available to you. Check your own city or county household hazardous waste program instead.
Official-source walkthrough: Using the What Goes Where tool
The most reliable way to confirm whether your exact battery type is accepted is the City of Knoxville's Service and Sort / What Goes Where online tool. This is the city's official waste-lookup directory.
Step 1: Open the tool
Go to [serviceandsort.knoxvilletn.gov](https://cdnsm5-hosted.civiclive.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_109478/File/WasteManagement/serviceandsort.html#!rc-cpage=531337). The tool loads as an interactive directory inside the city's waste management page.
Step 2: Enter your address
The tool prompts you to enter your street address. This helps it show results specific to your collection route and eligibility zone.
Step 3: Search for your item
Type "lithium battery," "rechargeable battery," "laptop battery," or the exact item name. The tool returns a disposal recommendation — either "Household Hazardous Waste facility" or an alternative.
Step 4: Read the instructions
The result page tells you:
- Whether the item is accepted at the Household Hazardous Waste facility
- Any preparation steps (if applicable)
- Any quantity limits (if applicable)
Step 5: Follow the guidance
Print or screenshot the result if you want a record. If the tool directs you to the Household Hazardous Waste facility, bring it to 1033 Elm Street during operating hours.
Alternative verification methods
- Call 3-1-1 from any Knoxville-area phone
- Call 865-215-4311 from outside the 3-1-1 service area
- Email 311Office@KnoxvilleTN.gov
Resident scenarios
Scenario 1: Knoxville homeowner with a dead laptop battery
You live in the Fourth and Gill neighborhood and have an old Dell laptop battery that no longer holds a charge. The battery is a lithium-ion rechargeable pack.
What to do: The Household Hazardous Waste facility at 1033 Elm Street accepts rechargeable batteries. Run the item through the What Goes Where tool to confirm, then drive to the facility during operating hours. No fee. No appointment needed. Bring a credit or debit card just in case (the facility does not accept cash).
Scenario 2: Knox County resident with a collection of power-tool batteries
You live in Karns (Knox County, outside Knoxville city limits) and have a box of old Ryobi and DeWalt 18V rechargeable battery packs, some NiCd and some lithium-ion.
What to do: The city blog says the facility is for City of Knoxville and Knox County residents — so you are eligible. Use the What Goes Where tool with your Karns address to confirm that each battery type is accepted. Then take the whole box to 1033 Elm Street. No fee.
Scenario 3: UT Knoxville student living off-campus
You are a student at the University of Tennessee, living in a rental house on Forest Avenue near campus. Your permanent address is in Nashville. You have an old phone and a rechargeable Bluetooth speaker with a dead built-in battery.
What to do: If your rental address is within Knoxville city limits, you may qualify as a resident. The eligibility language says "City of Knoxville residents." Call 3-1-1 or use the What Goes Where tool with your rental address to check. The tool will show you the correct answer based on your address.
Scenario 4: Apartment renter in downtown Knoxville
You live in an apartment on Gay Street and have rechargeable AA batteries that no longer hold a charge. You do not have a car.
What to do: The Household Hazardous Waste facility is drop-off only, and no car-free pickup option has been identified in the official sources. Options include: (a) ask a friend with a car for a ride to 1033 Elm Street, (b) check if the What Goes Where tool lists any nearby drop-off events or collection sites, or (c) call 3-1-1 and ask if any alternative arrangement exists for residents without personal transportation. Do not put rechargeable batteries in the apartment building's trash or recycling.
Scenario 5: Family with mixed battery types
You have a junk drawer full of assorted batteries — some rechargeable lithium-ion, some single-use alkaline, some single-use lithium coin cells. You do not want to sort them incorrectly.
What to do: The responsible approach is to sort as best you can (rechargeable vs. non-rechargeable) and then use the What Goes Where tool for each category. Take the confirmed rechargeable batteries to the Household Hazardous Waste facility. For the single-use lithium and alkaline batteries, the tool will tell you whether they belong at the facility, another drop-off route, or regular trash — do not guess.
Mistakes to avoid
1. Putting rechargeable batteries in the curbside trash or recycling
This is the most common mistake. Rechargeable and lithium batteries can cause fires in garbage trucks and recycling facilities if crushed or punctured. Knoxville directs lead-acid, lithium, and rechargeable batteries to the Solid Waste Facility / Household Hazardous Waste route, not curbside bins.
2. Assuming all batteries are the same
A lithium-ion rechargeable battery and a single-use lithium coin cell are chemically different and may have different disposal rules. Do not treat a box of mixed batteries as one category. Check each type (or at least each chemistry) through the What Goes Where tool before making a single trip.
3. Driving in from outside Knox County without checking eligibility
If you live in Anderson County, Blount County, or anywhere beyond Knox County lines, the Knoxville Household Hazardous Waste facility may not accept your batteries. The official sources say the facility is for City and Knox County residents. Do not assume you can use it. Check your own county's household hazardous waste program first.
4. Throwing batteries in apartment dumpsters
Apartment and multifamily property dumpsters are not exempt from the battery disposal rules. Even if you see neighbors throwing batteries in the trash, rechargeable and lithium batteries are considered household hazardous waste in Knoxville. The legal and safe route is the facility at 1033 Elm Street. No special apartment or multifamily rules have been identified in the official sources, so the standard rules apply.
5. Pre-taping terminals without official instruction
You may have heard that you should tape battery terminals before disposal. This is a common safety recommendation for lithium batteries to prevent short-circuiting. However, the official City of Knoxville sources official sources do not specify taping or bagging requirements. Follow the instructions provided by the What Goes Where tool for your specific battery type, or call 3-1-1 and ask about preparation steps before you go.
6. Showing up with cash only
The Solid Waste Facility accepts credit and debit cards only. Do not arrive expecting to pay cash. Bring a card even though there is no fee — some transactions may still require card payment.
7. Assuming businesses can use the facility
The Household Hazardous Waste facility is described as serving residents. If you are disposing of batteries from a business, home-based or otherwise, call 3-1-1 first to ask whether commercial waste is accepted. Do not bring business batteries without checking.
FAQ
Can I put rechargeable batteries in my Knoxville curbside recycling bin?
No. Lead-acid, lithium, and rechargeable batteries should go to the Solid Waste Facility / Household Hazardous Waste route, not curbside recycling or trash.
Is there a fee for dropping off batteries at the Household Hazardous Waste facility?
The City of Knoxville says there is never a fee to drop off household hazardous waste items, including rechargeable batteries.
What payment does the facility accept?
Credit and debit cards only. No cash.
Can non-residents use the Knoxville Household Hazardous Waste facility?
Eligibility for non-residents is not confirmed from the official sources official sources. The facility is confirmed for City of Knoxville and Knox County residents. Call 3-1-1 or 865-215-4311 before traveling from outside the county.
Can I bring business batteries?
Not confirmed. The facility is described as being for residents. Call 3-1-1 to ask about commercial waste.
What about single-use lithium batteries (AA, AAA, coin cells)?
Not confirmed from official sources. Use the What Goes Where tool or call 3-1-1 before bringing single-use lithium batteries to the facility.
Do I need an appointment?
No. The Household Hazardous Waste facility accepts walk-in drop-offs during operating hours.
What if I cannot get to 1033 Elm Street?
No car-free pickup option has been identified from the official sources. Consider asking a neighbor or friend with a car for a ride, or call 3-1-1 to ask whether any mobile collection events or alternative arrangements exist.
Does the facility accept damaged or swollen batteries?
Not specifically confirmed from official sources. A swollen or damaged lithium battery is a fire risk. Call 3-1-1 before transporting it and ask how the city recommends handling it.
Are there quantity limits?
Quantity limits are not confirmed from the official sources. Most household hazardous waste facilities apply common-sense limits (e.g., no pickup-truck loads). Call 3-1-1 if you have a large quantity.
What hours is the facility open?
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
- Wednesday: 7:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
- Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
- Sunday: Closed
Hours may change on city-observed holidays. Verify before visiting.
Still not sure? Official verification steps
When in doubt, the City of Knoxville provides several ways to get a definitive answer for your specific battery type:
- Use the What Goes Where tool. Go to [serviceandsort.knoxvilletn.gov](https://cdnsm5-hosted.civiclive.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_109478/File/WasteManagement/serviceandsort.html#!rc-cpage=531337), enter your address, and search for your battery type. This is the most authoritative source for item-specific disposal instructions.
- Call 3-1-1 from any Knoxville-area phone. This connects you to the City of Knoxville's service desk.
- Call 865-215-4311 if you are outside the 3-1-1 area or prefer a standard number.
- Email 311Office@KnoxvilleTN.gov with your question and address.
- Visit the facility in person at 1033 Elm Street during operating hours and ask the staff directly.
Sources
- City of Knoxville — Household Hazardous Waste facility page: [https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/government/city_departments_offices/public_service/waste_and_resources_management/household_hazardous_waste](https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/government/city_departments_offices/public_service/waste_and_resources_management/household_hazardous_waste)
- City of Knoxville — Solid Waste Facility page: [https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/government/city_departments_offices/public_service/waste_and_resources_management/solid_waste_facility](https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/government/city_departments_offices/public_service/waste_and_resources_management/solid_waste_facility)
- City of Knoxville blog — Household Hazardous Waste free drop-off confirmation: [https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/blog/one.aspx?portalId=132035&postId=15990463&portletAction=viewpost](https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/blog/one.aspx?portalId=132035&postId=15990463&portletAction=viewpost)
- City of Knoxville — Service and Sort / What Goes Where tool: [https://cdnsm5-hosted.civiclive.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_109478/File/WasteManagement/serviceandsort.html#!rc-cpage=531337](https://cdnsm5-hosted.civiclive.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_109478/File/WasteManagement/serviceandsort.html#!rc-cpage=531337)
- City of Knoxville — 3-1-1 Contact: [https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/311](https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/311)
*Last verified: July 16, 2026. Verify all information with the City of Knoxville's official sources before acting, as hours, fees, and accepted items may change.*