Recycle your batteries during the week of April 20

Whitby, Ontario – The Regional Municipality of Durham is reminding residents to place their used or unwanted household batteries out for recycling on their collection day during the week of April 20.

When: Spring battery collection occurs the week of April 20 on blue box 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 eliminate mercury, cadmium and other heavy metals from entering the environment. Since 2012, Durham residents have diverted more than 238,000kg of batteries from the waste stream.

Note: Residents received two orange labels in their 2019-2020 Waste Collection Calendar Guide. A printable version of the label can be found at durham.ca/Battery. Residents should affix the label to a clear, sealable plastic bag containing their used or unwanted household batteries. Sealed bags should be placed on top of paper blue boxes for collection during the week of April 20 only. Keeping batteries separate from other blue box materials helps workers to clearly identify them; please do not put loose batteries inside your blue box.

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 and nine-volt batteries should be covered with masking tape prior to storage. For more information about preparing batteries for recycling, visit durham.ca/Battery.

The Region of Durham is ensuring that our services identified as essential by the Province of Ontario, including waste management, continue to be provided safely to protect the environment and the public.

For more information, visit durham.ca/waste, email waste@durham.ca, call 1-800-667-5671 or download the Durham Region Waste App.

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For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.