Summary
According to Yokohama City’s official notice, in response to a rise in fires at collection vehicles and recycling facilities caused by improperly discarded lithium-ion batteries, Yokohama City began collecting small rechargeable batteries as a separate “batteries” category starting December 1, 2025.
Key Points from the Official Notice
- According to Yokohama City’s official notice, from December 1, 2025, mobile batteries, button batteries, and other battery types have been added to the existing “dry battery” category, and all are now collected together under a unified “batteries” category.
- According to the official notice, items accepted include small rechargeable batteries (mobile batteries, e-bike batteries, and other types such as nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride in addition to lithium-ion), dry batteries, coin batteries, and button batteries.
- According to the official notice, batteries must be placed together in a single bag and put out on one of the two weekly “burnable garbage” collection days; residents are advised to insulate terminals with tape where possible before disposal.
- According to the official notice, swollen or damaged batteries and portable power stations cannot be left at collection points — they must be brought directly to the local Resource Recycling Bureau office in each ward.
- According to the official notice, automotive and motorcycle batteries are not accepted in this collection and should be returned to retailers or manufacturers.
What Users Should Check
- Batteries must be placed in a dedicated bag containing batteries only and put out on a “burnable garbage” collection day — mixing with other garbage is not permitted.
- Small appliances with non-removable batteries (handheld fans, portable game consoles, etc.) should be put out in a separate bag on the same “burnable garbage” collection day.
- For swollen or damaged batteries and portable power stations, check the official page for the Resource Recycling Bureau office location in your ward.
For the most current and accurate information, always check the official page.