Save unwanted batteries for spring curbside collection

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

When: Spring battery collection occurs the week of April 22 on blue box collection days.

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

Why: 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 204,000kg of batteries from the waste stream.

Note: Residents received two orange labels in their 2018-2019 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.

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, visit durham.ca/Battery.

Have questions about battery collection? Follow @RegionOfDurham on Twitter, or tweet your participation using the hashtag #DurhamBattery. For more information, visit durham.ca/Battery, 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.