Recycle your batteries during the week of November 6

Whitby, Ontario – The Regional Municipality of Durham is reminding residents to place their used or unwanted household batteries out for recycling on their blue box collection day, during the week of November 6.

When: Fall battery collection occurs from November 6 to 10 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.

The upcoming Daylight Saving Time change on November 5 coincides with local fire departments’ reminder for residents to change their batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Place any used or unwanted household batteries out for collection.

Note: Residents should place their used or unwanted household batteries in a clear, sealable plastic bag. Sealed bags should be placed on top of paper blue boxes for collection during the week of November 6 only. Keeping batteries separate from other blue box materials helps collection 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. 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.

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, 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).