FAQ-Waste-Batteries

In Alberta, there are many opportunities through municipal recycling programs, waste reduction events and initiatives within businesses, to return some of your batteries for recycling and keep them out of our landfills.

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).

Disposable batteries

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.

Rechargeable batteries

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). See below for more information.  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.

Automotive batteries

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 do we take our batteries for recycling?

Disposable batteries

Depending on your municipality, recycling of batteries may occur in a number of locations. Many retail stores collect commercial and household batteries (i.e. the kind 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.

Depending on your municipality, recycling of batteries may occur in a number of locations. Many retail stores collect commercial and household batteries (i.e. the kind 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.

The City of Edmonton
The City of Edmonton is a unique case with respect to managing disposable batteries.  The City asks all of its citizens to bring disposable 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 contaminate the compost.  However, the collected batteries are not recycled, they are still landfilled.

Rechargeable batteries

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.

Atomotive Batteries.

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. Find out when a Round-up is scheduled in your area by visiting Alberta Environment’s Round-up Schedule.

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