Ohio EPA, NWRA, Rumpke Hosting Battery Collection Event at Ohio State Fair

Single-Use Batteries are amongst the types being collected by the EPA, NWRA, and Rumpke. Photo by Heath Scofield.

July 26, 2026
From the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency

COLUMBUS, OH – Ohioans can safely clear out their old batteries and drop them off for recycling at this year’s Ohio State Fair!

Ohio EPA, along with the National Waste and Recycling Association (NWRA) and Rumpke, is announcing a safe and convenient battery collection event during the first three days of this year’s Ohio State Fair in Columbus.

From July 29-31, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., fairgoers can bring their used household batteries for recycling.

“We know battery recycling is an ongoing and growing issue across Ohio and across the country,” Ohio EPA Director John Logue said. “This partnership allows us to collect those used batteries that are right now sitting around your home – that can create different dangers and fire hazards – get them in the hands of the professionals and properly dispose of them to make you and your family safer.”

Batteries should not be placed in household trash or recycling containers. When batteries become damaged, overheated, or are crushed in waste and recycling collection equipment, they can spark fires that threaten workers, facilities, and communities. In 2025, solid waste and recycling facilities reported more than 400 fires caused by battery disposal in the United States.

 

Fair visitors can drop off household batteries in the specialized blue collection drums located at Ohio EPA’s booth near the Machinery Social Hall, by the 11th Avenue entrance. Through the “Skip the Bin! Turn Your Batteries In!” campaign, fair goers can also learn more about how simple actions at home can make a big difference.

All batteries should be removed from devices before bringing them to the State Fair.

  • Acceptable batteries:
    • Single use: AA, AAA, 9-volt, C, and D cells
    • Button cells from watches, hearing aids, and small electronics
    • Removable/rechargeable: Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) and Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad) from toothbrushes, shaving razors, drones, computer laptops, cameras, phones, and power tools
  • Unacceptable batteries:
    • Damaged, defective, or recalled batteries
    • Automotive
    • Vapes
    • Industrial or large-format batteries such as those for e-bikes, scooters, and uninterruptible power supplies
    • Batteries that are still inside devices

Learn more about battery disposal on Ohio EPA’s website. See you at the fair!