Save unwanted batteries for curbside collection

Whitby, Ontario – With the upcoming spring time change and local fire departments’ promotion of changing batteries in smoke alarms, the Region of Durham is reminding residents to save their used or unwanted batteries for recycling during the next curbside battery collection.

When: Battery collection occurs the week of April 17 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. This program aims to eliminate mercury, cadmium and other heavy metals from entering the environment by responsibly recycling batteries. Since 2012, Durham residents have diverted 145 tonnes of batteries from the waste stream.

Note: Residents received two orange labels in their 2016-2017 Waste Management Calendar. A printable version of the label can be found at www.durham.ca/battery. Residents should affix the label to a clear, sealable plastic bag containing unwanted batteries. Sealed bags should be placed on top of paper Blue Boxes on collection day during the week of April 17 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 and nine-volt batteries, in particular, should be covered with masking tape prior to storage. For more information about preparing batteries for recycling please visit www.durham.ca/battery.

Have questions about battery collection? Follow @RegionofDurham on Twitter, or tweet your participation using the hashtag #DurhamBattery. For more information, visit www.durham.ca/battery, email waste@durham.ca, call 1-800-677-5671 or download the Durham Region Waste app.

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For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.