• How to recycle

    Batteries

Battery Recycling in Ontario: What to Recycle and Where to Take It

Batteries should not go in the garbage or regular recycling. In Ontario, the safest next step is to identify the battery type, protect the terminals, and bring accepted batteries to a proper drop-off location. Household batteries can contain materials that require careful handling to help prevent fires, leaks, and contamination. This page explains what batteries are accepted, how to prepare them safely, and where to take them for recycling across Ontario.

Battery Recycling Information and Tips

Household batteries should be recycled through approved collection programs instead of being placed in garbage or curbside recycling. Many batteries contain materials that require safe handling and proper processing. Recycling batteries also helps recover useful materials that can be reused in new products and manufacturing.

Use the recycling location finder to locate a safe battery drop-off site near you.
  • Human hands sifting through a plastic bin of used batteries

    Where to dispose of batteries

    Collect, protect, and drop off your batteries at many convenient drop-off locations across Ontario. You can find drop boxes at pharmacies, hardware stores, grocery stores, municipal depots, and other facilities near you.

    Available locations may vary depending on the battery type, local collection programs, and site-specific rules, so it is important to confirm accepted materials before visiting.

    Find Battery Drop-Off Locations
  • A glass mason jar full of used batteries

    What batteries are accepted

    • Button cells
    • AA
    • AAA
    • C
    • D
    • 9V
    • Lantern batteries
    • Sealed lead-acid batteries
    • Replacement batteries (i.e. drill, cell phone, laptop) that weigh under 5 kg
  • Batteries wrapped in plastic package

    How to recycle batteries

    Battery terminals can spark upon contact and cause a fire or explosion. Put a piece of clear tape over the positive terminal (the raised end) or bag batteries in small plastic bags. Always individually bag Lithium-Ion, Lithium, Alkaline (over 12v), and button/coin cell batteries. When in doubt, bag it.

    Before drop-off:

    • Collect batteries in one safe container at home
    • Tape or bag exposed terminals
    • Keep battery types separated where possible
    • Avoid crushing, puncturing, or damaging batteries
    • Bring batteries to an approved drop-off site
    Find a Battery Drop-Off Site

  • This information applies to many common household batteries, including both single-use and rechargeable batteries under 5 kg.

    Batteries not accepted:

    • Car batteries
    • Industrial batteries
    • Large automotive battery systems
    • Batteries permanently installed inside devices

  • Why Batteries Need Special Recycling

    Batteries can spark, leak, or start fires if they are damaged or handled incorrectly. That is why batteries should never be placed loosely in garbage or regular curbside recycling bins. Certain battery types, especially lithium batteries, can become dangerous if crushed during collection or processing.

    Proper battery recycling helps recover valuable materials such as lithium, cobalt, steel, copper, and aluminum so they can be reused in manufacturing. Safe recycling also helps reduce contamination and supports better recycling in Ontario through responsible material recovery.

  • Damaged or Swollen Batteries Need Extra Care

    Damaged, swollen, leaking, or recalled batteries require extra caution. Do not throw these batteries loosely into storage containers, garbage bins, or recycling. Avoid handling damaged batteries more than necessary and keep them separated from other batteries until you can confirm proper disposal instructions.

    • Do not puncture or crush damaged batteries
    • Store damaged batteries away from heat and flammable materials
    • Check local site instructions before transporting swollen or leaking batteries

    Use the location finder to reach out to a collection centre to confirm their policies before transporting damaged batteries.

The Battery Recycling Process Explained

How we break down batteries and use them to make something new!

Find Locations to Recycle Your Batteries
Batteries surrounded by a green 3D recycling graphic

From sorting to shredding

Dismantling Batteries

  • The first step in battery recycling involves dismantling the batteries to separate their individual components.
  • Depending on the scale of recycling operations, this process can be done manually or through automated methods.
  • During dismantling, batteries are carefully taken apart to access their internal components.
  • After dismantling, the batteries undergo shredding.
  • In this stage, the batteries are shredded into small pieces.
  • Shredding helps break down the battery materials further, making them easier to process.
Used Lithium Ion batteries ready for recycling

Once sorted, the materials are grouped together

Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries, found in devices like smartphones and electric vehicles (EVs), consist of various materials.

After shredding, the separated cells are further processed.

Metal Solids:

  • These include copper, aluminum, and cobalt.
  • These metals are valuable and can be reused in various industries.

Lithium Brine Slurry:

  • This contains dissolved electrolytes and lithium salts.
  • Lithium salts are essential for producing new lithium-ion batteries.

Li-Ion Fluff:

  • This mixture consists of plastics and some steel.
  • Plastics can be recycled, and steel can be repurposed.

Battery Drop-Off Preparation Checklist

Before visiting a battery recycling location, take a few minutes to prepare batteries safely for transport and drop-off.

  • Tape battery terminals or place batteries in separate plastic bags where needed.
  • Keep damaged, leaking, or swollen batteries separated from other battery types.
  • Confirm accepted materials using battery drop-off locations in Ontario before visiting.
  • Transport batteries in a sturdy container and keep them away from metal objects.

Always confirm accepted battery types and local site instructions before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Ontario, batteries should be taken to approved recycling or collection sites rather than placed in garbage or curbside recycling. Many pharmacies, hardware stores, grocery stores, and municipal depots offer battery drop-off services.
No. Batteries contain materials that can create fire risks and environmental hazards if disposed of improperly. Recycling batteries through approved programs helps support safer handling and material recovery and prevent environmental contamination.
Lithium battery recycling involves collecting and processing lithium-ion batteries to recover useful materials such as lithium, cobalt, and copper. Specialized recycling facilities help process these batteries safely.
Many common household batteries are accepted, including AA, AAA, button cell, rechargeable, sealed lead acid, and small lithium-ion batteries under 5 kg.
Rechargeable batteries should be recycled through approved battery recycling programs. Protect exposed terminals with tape or separate bagging before transport.
Yes. Lithium batteries can spark or ignite if damaged or improperly stored. Tape terminals, avoid crushing or puncturing batteries, and keep damaged batteries separate from other materials.

You can search for nearby battery drop-off locations in Ontario using the recycling location finder. Always confirm accepted battery types before visiting a site.

Find Locations to Recycle Your Batteries

Use the recycling location finder when you are unsure if your battery is accepted, when you need a nearby drop-off location, or when you want to confirm local collection rules before visiting.

Use the Recycling Location Finder