Summary
Kawasaki City (川崎市) has announced that starting November 2025 (Reiwa 7), rechargeable batteries used at home — including lithium-ion batteries and mobile batteries — will be collected as “small metal items.”
Key Points from the Official Notice
- According to Kawasaki City’s official notice, starting November 2025, rechargeable batteries (lithium-ion batteries, mobile batteries, etc.) can be put out on small metal collection days (twice a month). Nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride batteries are also included.
- According to the official notice, batteries that cannot be removed from their devices may be left inside and put out as-is, to prevent smoke or fire from forced removal.
- According to the official notice, the required disposal procedure is: (1) cover the terminals with clear tape to insulate them, (2) place in a clear bag and tie it securely, and (3) attach a label stating the item name. Swollen or deformed batteries must be placed in a separate bag from other batteries, with a label noting their condition.
- According to the official notice, items measuring 30 cm or more at their longest point are treated as oversized waste (粗大ごみ) and must be booked through the oversized waste reception center.
- According to the official notice, the city does not collect automotive batteries, desktop computers, portable power stations, or electric kickscooters with license plates (including their batteries).
What Users Should Check
- When disposing of smartphones or mobile batteries, three steps are required: insulating the terminals with tape, placing in a clear bag, and attaching a label with the item name (detailed instructions are provided in the official notice).
- Swollen or deformed batteries must be separated from regular batteries and put out with a label describing their condition.
- Batteries bearing the JBRC recycling mark can also be dropped off at JBRC collection partner stores; however, batteries without the mark, damaged batteries, and swollen batteries must be brought directly to a local environmental services office (生活環境事業所).
For the most current and accurate information, always check the official page.