How to recycle your household batteries
Always remember: Collect. Protect. Drop off.
Step 1: Collect
BatteriesThe batteries in your house don’t wear out at the same time. C, so it’s important to collect used batteries in a non-metal container – like a glass or plastic jar – so you can conveniently recycle them together.
Before you start, be battery safe!
Step 2: Protect
Some batteries – particularly rechargeable, lithium and coin cell batteries – require precautions because they can cause sparks when rubbed together.
You can help prevent this by protecting the terminals in one of two ways:
Option 1: Tape terminals
Cover the positive terminals of rechargeable, lithium or coin cell batteries with clear packing tape, duct tape or electrical tape.
Option 2: Bag and seal
Place each rechargeable, lithium or coin cell battery in a clear, sealable / zipped bag.
Step 3: Drop off
After safely collecting and protecting your used household batteries, we recommend dropping them off every THREE (3) months to avoid corrosion.
What batteries can be recycled?
Battery identification
Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! manages the collection and recycling of single-use and rechargeable dry-cell household batteries (weighing up to 5 kg each).
Not sure what type of batteries you have?
Why you should recycle your batteries
Protect the environment
From household appliances, to laptops, cellphones, cordless tools and other portable electronics, batteries help power our world.
But what happens when batteries fade, or can no longer be re-charged? Each year, millions of kilograms of batteries end up in landfills, where toxic metals could enter the waste stream and harm the environment.
Safety
Batteries that are improperly disposed can also get damaged and cause fires at waste processing centres and landfills.
If you collect, protect, and drop off your used household batteries, you can:
• Prevent potentially hazardous materials from harming the environment
• Help prevent fires at waste disposal centres
• Conserve natural resources and support a healthy circular economy
Environmental impact
Since 1997, we have collected and recycled over 40 million kilograms of batteries across Canada. Find out more about why recycling your household batteries is so important.
