When are batteries collected?
In the County of Simcoe, batteries are collected on your regular collection day, during battery collection week in November. Click here to determine your battery collection day, view your full schedule and sign up for reminders.
What materials are accepted?
Dry cell, single use batteries:
- Standard AA, AAA, C, D and 9-Volt (both alkaline and heavy duty)
- Button batteries
Due to regulatory requirements, only undamaged, single use, and dry cell batteries are acceptable for curbside collection.
- Rechargeable battery packs (NiCad, NiMH, or Lithium Ion – typically used in laptop computers, cellular phones, etc.)
- Car batteries
- Industrial batteries
- Battery packs
These should be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste Depot for free (year-round).
Still don’t know where things go?
How do I store and prepare my batteries for collection?
Place acceptable batteries (outlined above) into the battery bag and seal using the zip tab. Clear ziploc bags can also be used. Place sealed battery bags On Top of your cart on your regular collection day during the first full week of November.
Batteries are collected in the same truck that collects your carts, however, batteries should NOT be placed inside your carts. The driver will get out of the truck and collect the bag and place in a separate compartment.
Batteries should be stored in a cool, dry location, away from any flammable material, prior to disposal. During storage, battery terminals should not be in contact with conductive materials. The terminals on button batteries and 9-Volt batteries in particular, should be covered with electrical tape prior to storage. Click here to learn more about safe storage.For safety purposes, do not use the battery bag to store batteries long-term. Batteries can also be taken to a HHW Depot any time of year.
What happens to my batteries after collection?
All batteries will be sorted by type in a processing facility and then recycled to recover their respective components, including metal, carbon, manganese, etc. The zinc and manganese recovered from the batteries is used as an ingredient in a micro-nutrient fertilizer. Also, the battery bag will be recycled.