Recycle your batteries during the week of October 7 on top of your Green Bin

The Regional Municipality of Durham is reminding residents to place their used household batteries out for recycling on their Green Bin collection days, during the week of October 7.

When: Fall battery collection occurs from October 7 to 11 on Green Bin 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 prevent mercury, cadmium and other heavy metals from entering the environment.

Note: Batteries are no longer collected with the blue box as the Region transitioned its Blue Box program to a producer responsibility organization. Residents should place their used household batteries in a clear, sealable plastic bag. Sealed bags should now be placed on top of your closed Green Bin for collection during the week of October 7 only.

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. Or for your nearest retail drop-off location, visit RecycleYourBatteries.ca.

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, the 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).