Residents across Barrie, Orillia, and Simcoe County are encouraged to participate in Battery Collection Week, taking place November 3 to 7, 2025. This annual initiative promotes the safe and environmentally responsible disposal of household batteries — and this year, free battery recycling bags are available for pickup at select locations.
Due to ongoing Canada Post delivery disruptions, battery bags will not be mailed out in 2025. Instead, residents can pick them up at designated facilities or use a clear, resealable plastic bag (like a Ziploc) to participate.
Barrie: Where to Get Battery Bags
Battery recycling bags are available for pickup until November 7 at the following Barrie locations:
- Peggy Hill Team Community Centre – 171 Mapleton Avenue
- Allandale Recreation Centre – 190 Bayview Drive
- East Bayfield Community Centre – 80 Livingstone Street East
- Barrie Landfill Site – 272 Ferndale Drive North
- Available at the Recycling Depot, Environmental Administration Building, and Waste & Recycling Depot
- City Hall (Service Barrie) – 70 Collier Street, First Floor
- Barrie Public Library
- Downtown Branch – 60 Worsley Street
- Holly Branch – 555 Essa Road, Unit 17
- Painswick Branch – 48 Dean Avenue
On your regular collection day during Battery Collection Week, place your sealed battery bag on top of either your garbage or recycling cart — not inside — to ensure it’s visible for collection crews.
Orillia: How to Participate
Orillia’s special curbside battery collection also runs from November 3 to 7, 2025.
Residents should:
- Place spent household batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, button batteries, etc.) in a sealed, clear plastic bag.
- Set the bag on the ground with your regular curbside waste items — not on top of the recycling bin.
This simple step helps ensure safe collection and proper recycling of hazardous materials.
Simcoe County: Environmental Action in Your Community
The County of Simcoe is also preparing for Battery Collection Week, encouraging all residents to take part in this important environmental initiative.
- If you have a designated battery bag, please use it.
- If not, you can use a large, clear resealable bag.
- On your scheduled collection day, place the bag on top of your waste cart, not inside it.
Battery bags are available for pickup at all County waste facilities and other select locations. For a full list of pickup sites, visit the County’s website or contact Service Simcoe at 705-735-6901 or service@simcoe.ca.
What Batteries Are Accepted?
Accepted:
- Dry cell, single-use batteries: AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, button batteries
Not accepted:
- Rechargeable batteries (NiCad, NiMH, Lithium Ion)
- Car batteries
- Industrial battery packs
These must be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste Depot, available year-round for free.
Why It Matters
Improperly disposed batteries can leak harmful chemicals into the environment. By participating in Battery Collection Week, you’re helping to:
- Prevent soil and water contamination
- Conserve valuable resources
- Support a cleaner, safer community
