Safe battery disposal

Safe battery disposal Stop fires before they start

Don’t put batteries in your garbage or recycling.

Batteries don’t belong in your blue, black, or green carts

Battery-related fires are on the rise, due to improper disposal of batteries with more than 50 incidents at our landfills and recycling facilities in 2024 alone.

Used batteries still contain energy and if improperly stored or disposed of, they can cause fires due to sparks if they come into contact with metal or other batteries. This isn’t just a risk at our waste facilities – it can also cause fires in your homes.

Bringing batteries to a designated drop-off for proper disposal ensures the safety of our staff, facilities, and your home.

Types of batteries

Batteries can come in many forms. All pose a fire safety risk and need to be disposed of properly.

  • Single-use/non-rechargeable batteries

    Used once and replaced when dead.

    Common types: AA, AAA, 9-volt.

    Often used in remote controls, wireless keyboards, and flashlights.

  • Rechargeable batteries

    Used multiple times before replacement.

    Typically include Lithium-ion, nickel cadmium, nickel zinc, nickel metal hydride, and small sealed lead acid.

    Common in gadgets like cameras and power tools.

  • Battery-containing devices/Electronics

    Items with built-in, non-removable batteries.

    Often rechargeable devices.

    Examples include vape pens, e-cigarettes, e-readers, phones, tablets, and laptops.

How to protect terminals

When it is time to get rid of dead household batteries, make sure to dispose of them safely to prevent fires. Even used batteries can be dangerous because they:

  • Cause sparks if they meet other objects like scissors, keys, or other batteries.
  • Can get crushed and damaged by equipment and cause fires at our landfills and recycling facilities if improperly thrown in carts.

Battery terminals must be protected to prevent the battery from connecting and reacting with other items. 

  • Batteries requiring terminal protection

    Lithium

    Coin (button) cell

    Small sealed lead acid

    Alkaline – 9 volt or higher

  • Option 1 – Use tape

    Cover the terminals using clear packing tape, duct tape or electrical tape. Ensure the brand name or chemistry label remains visible.

  • Option 2 – Use a bag

    Place each battery in a clear, sealable/zipped bag. AA, AAA, C and D batteries can be bagged in groups.

Battery safety tips

If you are unable to dispose of your used batteries right away, below are some safety tips.

  • Always protect the terminals when storing used batteries.
  • Do not store new and used batteries together.
  • Store your protected batteries in a glass or plastic jar in a cool, dry place away from the sunlight.
  • Keep batteries out of reach of young children. 

Where to take batteries

  • City Eco Centres

    Take all types of batteries including items with built-in batteries (electronic waste) to a City Eco Centre for free.

    Eco Centre locations

  • Recycle your Batteries Canada!

    Find a free drop-off location close to you for single-use, rechargeable, and e-mobility batteries.

    Find a free drop-off location
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