Give your batteries new life: Recycle your batteries during the week of April 28

Whitby, Ontario – Don't let your old batteries go to waste! The Region of Durham is calling on residents to recycle their used household batteries by placing them on top of their closed Green Bin during collection days the week of April 28.

When: Spring battery collection occurs from April 28 to May 2 on Green Bin collection days.

Where: Households across Durham Region who currently receive curbside collection services.

Why: Batteries are not garbage – up to 92 per cent of battery components are recyclable and recoverable. By taking part in the battery collection program, you 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 462 tonnes (1,036,918 pounds) of household batteries from the waste stream.

Note: Batteries are no longer collected with the blue box program. The Region transitioned its Blue Box program to Circular Materials on July 1, 2024. Residents should place their used household batteries in a clear, sealable plastic bag. Sealed bags should be placed on top of your closed Green Bin for collection during the week of April 28 only.

Batteries should be stored in a cool, dry location, away from any flammable material, prior to recycling. During storage, battery terminals should not be in contact with conductive materials. The terminals on lithium, nine-volt, six-volt and button cell batteries should be covered with masking tape prior to storage and recycling. Have questions about battery collection or looking for more information about preparing batteries for recycling? Visit durham.ca/Battery.

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.

Residents are encouraged to download the Durham Region Waste and Whitby Waste Buddy Apps to access waste management information. The Durham Region Waste and Whitby Waste Buddy Apps provide residents with customized collection schedules, reminders about collection days, the Know Before You Throw search tool and service alerts. Available on Google Play or in the App Store, free to download.

For more information, visit durham.ca/Battery, email waste@durham.ca, or call 311 (within Regional limits) or 905-668-7711 (toll-free at 1-800-372-1102).

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