Background#
A swollen power bank#
While tidying a drawer, I found a power bank that had swollen up like a balloon. It looked dangerous, so I decided to find out how to dispose of it. I forgot to take a photo of the power bank.
Naha City’s website didn’t make it clear whether I could put it out as “hazardous waste,” so I ended up calling to ask directly.
I called to ask#
Apparently, they stopped collecting them as hazardous waste at the end of fiscal year 2024. (Update)
The person I spoke to gave me the following options, in order of preference:
- Take it to a participating collection store
- Contact the manufacturer
- Have it collected at city hall (Environmental Policy Division counter, 7th floor of the main Naha City Hall building)
My situation#
However, swollen batteries like mine aren’t accepted by participating collection stores. I’d also bought it at a 100-yen shop, so I didn’t know who the manufacturer was.
That left taking it to city hall as my last resort.
Collection at Naha City Hall#
Getting there#
The nearest station to Naha City Hall is Kencho-mae Station on the Okinawa Urban Monorail. Getting to Naha City Hall
Location
It felt a bit like a high school staff room or a university student support office, which made me a little nervous, but I got through it by acting as though I was lost.
How it went#
Me: “Excuse me, I heard you collect power banks here.”
Staff: “Do you have any ID showing that you live in Naha City?”
Me: “Yes.” (I show my My Number card.)
Staff: “Thank you.” (They take the power bank.)
That was it.
Wrapping up#
Make sure you get rid of yours before it explodes, too.
Reference: https://www.city.naha.okinawa.jp/kurasitetuduki/gomirisaikuru/gomi/katei/KHAITAIyuugaigomi.html (accessed 2025/7/23)
Update (2026/07/12)#
Apparently, collection as dangerous waste began in March 2026. Follow the latest rules and dispose of it safely.
https://www.city.naha.okinawa.jp/kurasitetuduki/gomi-recycling/1001934/1010979.html