FAQ-Waste-Batteries

Which batteries are recyclable?

All batteries are technically recyclable, but opportunities to recycle specific types of batteries vary across Alberta. Batteries come in two basic forms: dry cell (disposable and rechargeable batteries) and wet cell (e.g. automotive batteries). See FAQs on disposable, rechargeable and automotive batteries for specific information.

Can I recycle disposable batteries in my community?

Disposable batteries are recyclable; however, no province-wide program exists to recycle this material in Alberta.  Generally, disposable batteries contain no toxic materials (as defined under the Canadian Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act).  Mercury, which was a toxic substance that used to be in these batteries, was designed out by North American battery manufacturers in the late 1990s.  Some batteries from other countries, like China, may contain mercury.

Can I recycle rechargeable batteries in my community?

If it’s rechargeable, it’s recyclable. The following rechargeable battery chemistries can be recycled - Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium Ion (Li-ion), and Small Sealed Lead* (Pb). Look for the Battery Recycling Seal on the battery. *(weighing up to 2lb/1kg per battery). Albertans should recycle all rechargeable household batteries, as these often do contain toxic materials like mercury and cadmium.  There are many places to recycle rechargeable batteries throughout Alberta through the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC). The RBRC is a voluntary industry association that collects and recycles rechargeable batteries across North America.  Any community, business, or association can sign up for the free recycling program.  Disposable batteries cannot be recycled through this program.

Can I recycle automotive batteries in my community?

Yes. Automotive batteries should always be recycled as they contain large amounts of lead,  In Alberta it is illegal to landfill automotive batteries in municipal solid waste landfills.

Where can I take disposable batteries for recycling?

Depending on your municipality, battery recycling opportunities may exist in a number of locations. Many retail stores collect commercial and household batteries (usually only those that they sell). As well, EcoStations, recycling depots, landfills and/or local waste reduction events often collect recyclable batteries. Check with your local community to find out what your options are. You can also check the Yellow Pages under “batteries” or “recycling” or google “battery recycling Canada” to identify programs offered through Canadian smelters.

Where can I take rechargeable batteries for recycling?

Visit the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) for more information and to use their collection site locator , or call the consumer helpline, 1-800-8-BATTERY, to find the retail collection site nearest you.

Where can I take automotive batteries for recycling?

Often the automotive shops or retail stores where you purchase your automotive batteries will also collect dead batteries for recycling. If not, check with your municipality for local landfill programs or your local Yellow Pages for battery retailers or automotive shops near you. Automotive batteries are also accepted at most facilities or events that collect Household Hazardous Wastes. “Toxic Round-ups” are held in many communities throughout the year, where your HHW are collected at one central event.

Where do I take batteries for recycling in Edmonton?

The City of Edmonton is unique in Alberta in terms of how they ask their citizens to manage disposable batteries. The City asks all of its citizens to bring ALL disposable and rechargeable batteries to their eco-stations and not to put them in the regular garbage. Why? Because the City composts all of its garbage and batteries can contaminate the compost , reducing the quality of the compost . However, the diposable batteries are not recycled, they are still landfilled. The rechargeable batteries are recycled through the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation's recycling program.

Disposable dry cell batteries collected at the Eco Stations are no longer landfilled. All dry cell batteries collected at the Eco Stations are sent to Toxco's Trail B.C. facility for recycling. All rechargeable batteries collected at Eco Stations are sent to the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation for recycling. All wet cell batteries collected at Eco Stations are sent to Interstate Batteries for recycling.

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