Orange County Government
Office of County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Rebecca Sheehan
April 28, 2026
Phone: (845) 907-2332
Orange County Highlights Safe Battery Disposal and Spring Household Hazardous Waste Event
Orange County is reinforcing proper battery recycling practices and announcing its upcoming Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection schedule to help residents dispose of batteries and other hazardous materials safely and responsibly.
“Our goal is to provide residents with a clear understanding of the safe handling of batteries,” said Robert J. Gray, Deputy Commissioner of the Orange County Department of Public Works, Division of Environmental Facilities and Services. “By distinguishing between routine recycling and HAZMAT materials, we can protect our first responders and our environment. It’s important to know that improper disposal at County Transfer Stations is a fire risk and may result in a fine.”
County Executive Steve Neuhaus stressed the importance of public participation and accountability. “Improperly discarded batteries pose a serious risk to our workers, our facilities, and our communities. These HHW events provide a safe, accessible way for residents to do the right thing. I encourage everyone to take advantage of these opportunities and be a part of keeping Orange County safe.”
Here’s what residents need to know about properly disposing of batteries:
• Regular Rechargeable Batteries – Recycle Only
Lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, and small sealed lead-acid batteries cannot be thrown away in household trash under New York State law. Residents should take them to County HHW events or participating retailers. Dropping them off at County Transfer Stations on non-HHW days may result in penalties.?Retail drop-off locations can be found through Battery Network (formerly Call2Recycle) at batterynetwork.org.
• Single-Use Alkaline Batteries
Alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, and 9-volt) may be disposed of in regular household trash. However, retailers such as Staples offer free recycling options. For added safety, residents are encouraged to tape battery terminals before disposal.
• Spring Household Hazardous Waste Schedule
All events run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and residents must bring proof of residency with a photo ID. Businesses are not permitted at Saturday events and must register for CESQG Friday events.
• Saturday, May 9 – Orange County Transfer Station #1, Maintenance Garage, New Hampton
• Saturday, June 13 – Port Jervis High School, Buildings & Grounds Parking Lot, Port Jervis
Additional recycling and hazardous waste disposal information is available at orangecountygov.com/efs
For media inquiries, contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to the County Executive and Director of Public Information and Media Relations, at 845-291-2700 or presscontact@orangecountygov.com
Stay connected with County Executive Neuhaus and Orange County Government on social media:
• Facebook: @OrangeCountyNYGovt | @Steve.Neuhaus• Instagram: @OrangeCountyNYGovt | @Steve.Neuhaus• X (formerly Twitter): @OCGovNY | @SNeuhausOC
Be sure to check out the Blueprint Orange video series, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the projects, places, and people that make Orange County a great place to live. Also, the newest episodes of NeuCast are streaming on the County Executive’s page at OrangeCountyGov.com
Safe Battery Disposal & Spring Household Hazardous Waste Event Flyer
