During the first full week of November, residents are encouraged to dispose of their batteries through the City’s Battery Collection Week. Collected batteries are sent for processing to separate and recycle the various components.
“Batteries are considered hazardous waste and should never be placed in your curbside garbage or recycling bins,” says Stephanie Mack, Associate Director of Waste Management and Environmental Sustainability. “Proper disposal is essential—not only to protect the environment, but also to help prevent fires caused by batteries in garbage trucks and at waste facilities.”
To participate:
- Place filled battery recycling bags ON TOP of either your garbage or organics cart on your regular curbside collection day next week.
- If no cart is set out, place bags on the ground at the curb.
- Bags must be clearly visible to the driver of the collection vehicle.
- Do not place bags inside carts or recycling containers.
The program is for single-use batteries only, including:
- Type AAA, AA, A, C, D, 9-Volt and button batteries commonly used for hearing aids and watches.
- Cell phone, laptop, car batteries and battery packs are NOT accepted, but these materials can be taken to the landfill for safe collection.
Batteries should be stored in a cool, dry location, away from any flammable material. Do not use the battery recycling bag to store batteries long term; this can be a fire hazard.During storage, battery terminals should not be in contact with materials that could conduct electricity or heat. Some battery types require terminal protection, like taping. Visit RecycleYourBatteries.ca/battery-safety for detailed information on how to protect terminals.
Due to current uncertainty in the postal service, battery recycling bags were not mailed this year. Battery recycling bags are available for pickup until November 7 at select City facilities; visit barrie.ca/BatteryCollectionWeek for a complete list of pickup locations. Residents can also use clear, sealable bags, or unused battery recycling bags previously provided by the City. Outside of Battery Collection Week each November, batteries can be disposed of for free at the Barrie Landfill, 272 Ferndale Drive North.
