How are batteries recycled?
Each year, millions of batteries end up in landfills, where their toxic materials could contaminate the environment.
Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! provides a different journey. We recycle used batteries, so that valuable materials can be recovered and reused to make new products, supporting a healthy circular economy.
Curious how they get a second life? Here is what that battery recycling journey looks like.
Learn how batteries
are recycled,
from collection to
processing and
material recovery.
Watch the Video
2:44 min.
The Battery Recycling Process
Collect, protect, and drop off your used batteries
You can find a battery collection box at over 15,000 Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! drop-off locations across Canada, including leading retailers and recycling depots.
Battery transporting and sorting
Collected batteries are transported to consolidation centres, where they are sorted based on weight and battery type and sent to the recycling plant for processing.
Battery processing
Batteries are safely shredded and mechanically separated by weight, size, and magnetism. Then, the system extracts and purifies valuable chemicals and metals for reuse.
New products
Recovered materials are reused to create new products such as new batteries, stainless steel, construction materials, and other everyday products, reducing the need for new mining and contributing to a healthy circular economy.
Battery Types & Their Second Life
Rechargeable Batteries
Nickel (Ni)
Used Ni-Cd, Ni-MH and Ni-Zn batteries can be recycled into new products such as silverware, pots & pans, golf clubs and even new batteries.
Rechargeable Batteries
Lithium (Li)
Used Li-Ion rechargeable batteries can be recycled into steel, stainless steel and new batteries.
Rechargeable Batteries
Lead (SSLA/Pb)
Used SSLA/Pb batteries can be recycled into new Pb-based batteries.
Single-Use Batteries
Alkaline
Used alkaline batteries can be recycled into steel and new products such as sunscreen and concrete aggregate.
Single-Use Batteries
Lithium Primary
Used Li-based primary batteries can be recycled into new products such as silverware, stainless steel, golf clubs and new batteries.
Recycling News
Keep Batteries out of the Trash and Recycling Bins
DROP OFF: The Final Step of Safe Battery Recycling
