Battery Recycling

Batteries are considered household hazardous waste and should never be thrown into the garbage. Fortunately, there is a convenient and responsible way to recycle your used batteries at the end of their life, to keep harmful chemicals out of landfill and protect the environment.

The District of Squamish works with the Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! program to collect used batteries for recycling through two convenient programs:

1. Semi-annual curbside collection
2. Year-round drop-off program

The curbside and drop-off programs, both accept dry cell, single use & rechargeable batteries including:

• Standard AA, AAA, C, D, and 9-Volt (both alkaline and heavy duty)
• Lithium single-use batteries, including button and coin cells
• Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd)
• Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)
• Lithium Ion (Li-Ion)
• Nickel Zinc (Ni-Zn)
• Small Sealed Lead Acid

Please note that the following types of batteries are not accepted through these programs.

• Damaged or defective dry cell batteries
• Wet cell and industrial batteries (e.g. car batteries, marine batteries)

If you are in possession of these types of batteries, please use the Waste Wizard to find out how to recycle them locally.

Batteries don’t fade all at once, but you don’t need to make a special trip to a recycling depot each time you replace a battery. Simply follow these steps to store your batteries safely, so you can conveniently recycle them together.

• Collect batteries in a non-metal container – like a glass or plastic jar
• Some batteries require precautions because they can cause sparks when they come into contact with metal or other batteries. You can help prevent sparks by protecting the terminals in one of two ways:
  
  
  • Option 1: Tape terminals
    Cover the terminals with clear packing tape, duct tape or electrical tape. Be sure not to cover the brand name or chemistry on the label.
    
    
  • Option 2: Bag and seal
    Place each battery in a clear, sealable/zipped bag.
• Once you have collected your batteries and protected the terminals, store your battery-safe container in a cool, dry place, away from the sun until ready for recycling.

Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! recommends that you arrange to dispose of your used batteries every three months to avoid corrosion. So take advantage of curbside collection programs, or drop off your batteries at a retailer or Recycling Depot at any time of the year.

For more information on battery safety visit Recycle Your Batteries, Canada: Battery Safety.

You can conveniently drop off your batteries for recycling year-round at many locations throughout Squamish. You can find them at municipal facilities, government buildings and retail stores throughout Squamish.

To find your nearest drop-off location, please visit Recycle Your Batteries, Canada!

Batteries collected at curbside are picked up and transported to a facility where they are sorted according to type, size, shape and chemistry. Sorted batteries are then sent to processors where they are broken apart through a mechanical separation process. The battery components are separated, and materials are reclaimed for use in the manufacturing of new products such as silverware, pots & pans, golf clubs and new batteries.