Free lithium battery disposal offered at Ivy center

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – A new lithium battery disposal program is now available at the Ivy Solid Waste and Recycling Center. The initiative complements existing free programs for the disposal of paint, motor oil, and antifreeze.

Growing concerns in the region about proper lithium battery disposal have sparked new interest in developing a disposal program. Lithium batteries are popular because they are often lightweight, rechargeable, and capable of storing large amounts of energy, but when discarded incorrectly, they can ignite into dangerous fires. If batteries are accidentally crushed or damaged, they can become unstable and undergo thermal runaway. This process can cause the internal temperature to spike rapidly from 212°F to 1800°F. Hard-to-extinguish fires often result, causing considerable damage and, in some cases, injury or death.

The process

The free program is offered to residents residing in the City of Charlottesville, the Town of Scottsville, and Albemarle County.

When possible, lithium batteries should be removed from the devices they serve. If the lithium battery cannot be easily accessed or removed, the entire device can be turned in with the battery still installed, provided it fits inside a standard five-gallon bucket.

Lithium batteries can be brought to the Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center, located at 4576 Dick Woods Road, Charlottesville, VA. The facility is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The lithium battery drop-off shed is situated in the Convenience Center (location C on the map), alongside community-facing recycling bins. Lithium batteries can be left in the five-gallon bucket outside the building.

Identifying lithium batteries

Lithium-based batteries are often marked "Lithium," "Li-ion," or specific codes that begin with the letters "CR" or "RCR." Batteries with IATA Class 9 labels also generally contain lithium. Smartphones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, Bluetooth speakers, headphones, wireless mice, wireless keyboards, e-readers, cordless power tools, robot vacuum cleaners, rechargeable flashlights, electric razors, electric toothbrushes, hair trimmers, e-bikes, e-scooters, trail cams, video doorbells, baby monitors, remote control cars, drones, game controllers, handheld gaming devices, greeting cards, handheld fans, hearing aids, and action cameras can all contain lithium batteries.

Fun activities for kids

To help spread the word, kid-friendly handouts have been added to RSWA’s Lithium Battery Disposal webpage to help share information about proper lithium battery disposal.

Program restrictions

The program is intended for residents and not commercial entities. Commercial entities may qualify to participate in RSWA’s Commercial Hazardous Waste Program offered twice per year. Additional details for this program are available at https://rivannasolidwaste.org/accepted-items/#special-collections.

More information

Additional information about the lithium battery program, including frequently asked questions and videos of recent fires at the Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center, can be found at https://rivannasolidwaste.org/lithium-battery-program/.

The Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority & Solid Waste Authority’s mission is to serve the Charlottesville, Albemarle, and UVA communities by providing high-quality water and wastewater treatment, refuse, and recycling services in a financially responsible and sustainable manner.

The Rivanna Solid Waste Authority oversees three recycling and disposal centers in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Residents are encouraged to use these facilities as they are needed.

Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center

The Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center is located at 4576 Dick Woods Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903. The facility accepts municipal solid waste from private citizens and collection vehicles servicing Charlottesville and Albemarle. Accepted wastes include construction debris, demolition debris, bagged trash (Tag-a-Bag), grindable vegetative materials, clean fill materials, tires, appliances, large bulk items, and paint. Accepted recyclables include plastic films, aluminum beverage cans, newsprint, mixed metals, office paper, glass, #1 plastic containers, #2 plastic containers, mixed paper, corrugated cardboard, antifreeze, motor oil, and compostable food waste. Regular business hours are Monday through Saturday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Please visit Rivanna Solid Waste Authority’s service fees webpage for a current list of dumping fees. Tag-a-Bag stickers can be purchased by mail and at the scales.

McIntire Recycling Center

The McIntire Recycling Center is located at 611 McIntire Road, Charlottesville, VA 22902. The facility accepts recyclable materials. Accepted materials include aluminum beverage cans, corrugated cardboard, mixed paper, plastic films, #1 plastic containers, #2 plastic containers, office paper, glass, newsprint, mixed metals, compostable food waste, oyster shells, pizza boxes, and used cooking oil. Regular business hours are Wednesday through Monday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (6:30 PM beginning March 9, 2026). The facility is closed on Tuesdays.

Southern Albemarle Convenience Center

The Southern Albemarle Convenience Center is located at 6269 Esmont Road, Keene, VA 22946. The facility accepts recyclable materials and bagged trash (Tag-a-Bag). Accepted materials include plastic films, aluminum beverage cans, newsprint, mixed metals, office paper, glass, #1 plastic containers, #2 plastic containers, mixed paper, and corrugated cardboard. Tag-a-Bag stickers can be purchased by mail, at Green Mountain Country Store, 5977 Scottsville Road, Scottsville, VA, and at Brown’s Market, 2724 Irish Road, Esmont, VA. Regular business hours are Friday through Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The facility is closed on Thursdays.