Power Bank Recycling in SF: Where to Drop Batteries

A swollen or bulging power bank should not go in the trash or the blue recycling bin. The lithium cells are under pressure and can ignite. The sooner you get it out of the house, the better.

Why you can’t just throw it away

Lithium batteries swell when internal gases build up, usually from overcharging, age, or a small internal short. A punctured or crushed swollen cell can catch fire. Regular garbage trucks compact loads. That’s a bad combination.

SF’s waste collection explicitly bans lithium batteries from both trash and recycling.

Where to drop off in San Francisco

SF Environment launched a small electronics drop-off program in December 2025. They installed collection bins at several locations across the city — bright orange kiosks that accept power banks, old phones, earbuds, and similar small electronics.

Sports Basement is the most reliable option. Three locations take them:

• Stonestown: 3251 20th Ave (near SFSU)
• Presidio: 610 Old Mason St
• Bryant Street: 1590 Bryant St (SoMa)

Cole Hardware is the other confirmed chain. Four SF stores participate, including locations in the Castro, Inner Richmond, and Noe Valley. Check their website for current addresses, as stock and programs can vary by location.

Four Embarcadero Center (downtown, near the Ferry Building) was listed as a launch site but the bin was still being installed when the program opened. Its current status is unconfirmed. Don’t rely on it if you’re making a trip specifically to drop something off.

Best bet

Sports Basement Stonestown is the easiest if you’re coming from the west side of the city. The bin is near the entrance. No account, no appointment, no fee — just drop and go.

For the east side or downtown, Bryant Street Sports Basement is more convenient.

The SF Environment website also lists Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facilities at 501 Tunnel Ave for anything the bins won’t take.