• How to recycle

    Batteries

Battery Recycling in Ontario

Battery Recycling Information and Tips

  • Human hands sifting through a plastic bin of used batteries

    Where to dispose of batteries

    Collect,Protect and Drop Offyour 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.

  • 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 or less
  • 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!

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Ontario, you can dispose of batteries by participating in local battery recycling programs. Many municipalities offer drop-off locations for used batteries, ensuring they are recycled safely and responsibly.
No, batteries should not be placed in the garbage as they contain hazardous materials. Proper disposal through recycling programs helps prevent environmental contamination and promotes safe handling.
Lithium battery recycling involves collecting and processing lithium-ion batteries to recover valuable materials and reduce environmental impact. Specialized facilities ensure safe recycling and prevent hazardous waste.