The Region of Durham is asking residents to participate in the annual spring curbside battery collection by placing used household batteries in a clear, sealable plastic bag and setting the bag on top of their closed green bin during the week of April 20.
Spring battery collection is from April 20 to 24 on green bin collection days.
The region said batteries are not garbage – up to 92 per cent of battery components are recyclable and recoverable. By taking part in the battery collection program, residents can help prevent mercury, cadmium and other heavy metals from entering the environment.
Since the first curbside battery collection in November 2012, Durham Region residents have diverted more than 513 tonnes (1,149,770 pounds) of household batteries from the waste stream.
Battery Tips
Never throw batteries in the garbage or blue box. Lithium batteries can ignite when crushed in a garbage truck or material recovery equipment.
Batteries should be stored in a cool, dry location, away from heat, sunlight and moisture. Batteries can overheat if left outdoors or stored in large quantities.
- Don’t mix alkaline, lithium, NiMH and lead-acid batteries in one bag or container. Different chemistries can react with each other or cause overheating.
- Store batteries in a plastic or cardboard box, not metal container (metal can conduct electricity).
- Damaged lithium batteries require special handling. Do not touch leaking or swollen batteries, wear gloves and eye protection if you see corrosion or white powder. Isolate the battery in a plastic bag or place in a cardboard box with sand or kitty litter and drop off at one of the Region’s Waste Management Facilities.
- Keep batteries out of reach of young children.
- Exposed terminals on lithium, nine-volt and other batteries should be covered on both ends with non-conductive tape like electrical or duct tape. This prevents short circuits and fires during storage or transport.
If you miss your collection date, household batteries can be dropped off at one of the region’s Waste Management Facilities year-round, free of charge. For a list of locations, visit durham.ca/WMF. Or for your nearest retail drop-off location, visit RecycleYourBatteries.ca.
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