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Used batteries will be picked up for recycling

October 21, 2021   ·   0 Comments

It’s time to properly dispose of all your used batteries.

The County of Simcoe will be collected used batteries from households in the region to keep them out of garbage and landfills.

The battery collection was moved up this year so as to not impact the start of the County’s new automated cart collection, which begins on November 1.

In 2020, there were over 45.2 tons of batteries collected as residents continue to participate in recycling.

The program helps protect the environment by keeping batteries, which contain harmful substances, out of landfills.

Some batteries may also pose health and safety risks due to leaking or the potential for fire or explosion.

This program is for single-use batteries only. This includes type AAA, AA, A, C, D, 9-volt, and button batteries.

Rechargeable batteries, cell phone and laptop batteries, car batteries, industrial and battery packs are not accepted in this program.

However, you can take these types of batteries to any County of Simcoe household hazardous waste facility for free disposal.

For this program, disposable battery bags with instructions were mailed to households in October. Battery bags are also available at County of Simcoe Waste Management facilities or local municipal offices.

Batteries can also be placed in clear, sealed bags.

Collected batteries are consolidated and sent for processing to an Ontario company that separates the various components with approximately 90 per cent of the battery components being recycled.

The battery collection will take place between October 25 and 29.

Battery bags should be placed curbside in a visible location beside waste on your regularly scheduled collection day.

Batteries will be collected by a separate truck, so it is important you place them curbside by 7:00 a.m.

By Brian Lockhart
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

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