Why batteries do not belong in your recycling

And what to do instead.

The risks of batteries in recycling

Did you know that putting batteries in your recycling can pose serious safety risks to workers and facilities, as well as harm the environment?

In 2024, the recycling industry experienced a record number of fire incidents, with lithium-ion batteries being a significant contributor.

These incidents endanger people, disrupt operations and impact our environment.   

 

What can you do?

Do not put any kind of battery in your recycling.  Instead, recycle them safely through the Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! program.

They have nearly 15,000 convenient drop-off locations across Canada. Use their locator tool to find one near you. 

What happens if batteries end up in the recycling system?

Your recycling can become contaminated

The chemicals and metals in batteries can leak out and contaminate your recyclables. A single discarded battery can make an entire batch of materials unable to be recycled.  

Fires and extreme ignitions at recycling facilities

Many batteries contain reactive materials like lithium, nickel, lead, mercury, and cadmium. When batteries are crushed, punctured, or exposed to heat during the recycling process, they can immediately spark fires. 

Risk to people’s safety

Recycling workers ensure operations runs smoothly. If a battery is mixed in with recycling and causes a fire or explosion, workers’ safety is put at risk. 

 

Take your batteries to a drop-off location for safe recycling

Designated battery recycling programs ensure proper handling, processing, and recovery of these materials. 

Programs such as Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! offer convenient options for residents to drop off their batteries for proper recycling.  

Since inception, the program has safely recycled over 50 million kilograms of batteries, recovering the valuable materials that can be used to create new batteries and other products. 

What should you do with old batteries?

1

Store batteries safely at home

Collect used batteries in a non-metal container and store them in a cool, dry location. Tape the terminals of rechargeable batteries and alkaline batteries over 9V with electrical tape. Learn more here.

2

Locate a designated battery recycling drop-off point

Find a location near you using the Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! locator tool.

3

Support local battery collection events

Participating in local collection drives is a great way to safely dispose of multiple types of batteries all at once.

4

Encourage responsible disposal in your community

Spread awareness among friends, family, and neighbours about the importance of keeping batteries out of household recycling.

Common questions about recycling batteries

Can I put single-use batteries in my recycling?

No, any battery is dangerous if put in your recycling. Please find a designated drop-off location near you using the Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! locator tool.

Can I put lithium batteries in my recycling?

No, any battery can be dangerous if put in your recycling. Please find a designated drop-off location near you using the Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! locator tool.

What should I do with old electronics that contain batteries?

For electronics with non-removable batteries, look for e-waste recycling programs. Many retailers and municipalities accept electronics for safe disposal and ensure the batteries within them are handled properly.  

Are “dead” batteries still be dangerous?

Yes. Seemingly ‘dead’ batteries can still retain a charge and can be dangerous if put in your recycling. Please find a designated drop-off location near you using the Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! locator tool.

Learn more about battery recycling

Visit Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! to find a battery drop-off location near you.

Recycle Your Batteries, Canada!