Safe battery disposal

Safe battery disposal Stop fires before they start

Don’t put batteries in your garbage or recycling.

Batteries don’t belong in your blue, black, or green carts

Battery-related fires are on the rise, due to improper disposal of batteries with more than 50 incidents at our landfills and recycling facilities in 2024 alone.

Used batteries still contain energy and if improperly stored or disposed of, they can cause fires due to sparks if they come into contact with metal or other batteries. This isn’t just a risk at our waste facilities – it can also cause fires in your homes.

Bringing batteries to a designated drop-off for proper disposal ensures the safety of our staff, facilities, and your home.

Types of household batteries

Household batteries can come in many forms. All pose a fire safety risk and need to be disposed of properly.

  • Single-use/non-rechargeable batteries

    Used once and replaced when dead.

    Common alkaline batteries include AA and AAA batteries, 6-volt (6V), 9-volt (9V), C, and D batteries as well as button cell batteries.

    Often used in remote controls, wireless keyboards, and flashlights.

  • Rechargeable batteries

    Used multiple times before replacement.

    Typically include lithium-ion, nickel cadmium, nickel zinc, nickel metal hydride, and small sealed lead acid.

    Common in gadgets like cameras and power tools.

  • Battery-containing devices and electronics

    Items with built-in, non-removable batteries.

    Often rechargeable devices.

    Examples include vape pens, e-cigarettes, e-readers, phones, tablets, and laptops.

  • Damaged household batteries

    Damaged batteries may be swollen, corroded, leaking, or show burn marks.

    These hazardous batteries are accepted only at Eco Centres. When dropping them off, please hand them directly to a staff member and inform them of their condition.

How to store your batteries at home

Battery terminals must be protected to prevent the battery from connecting and reacting with other items. 

  • Option 1 - keep in the packaging

    Store batteries in the original packaging it came in.

  • Option 2 - use tape

    Cover the terminals using clear packing tape, duct tape or electrical tape. Ensure the brand name or chemistry label remains visible.

  • Option 3 - use a bag

    Place each battery in a clear, sealable/zipped bag. AA, AAA, C and D batteries can be bagged in groups.

  • Always protect the terminals when storing used batteries.
  • Do not store new and used batteries together.
  • If you don’t have the original packaging, store your protected batteries in a glass or plastic jar in a cool, dry place away from the sunlight.
  • Keep batteries out of reach of young children.

Where to take household batteries

When it is time to get rid of dead household batteries, make sure to dispose of them safely to prevent fires. Even used batteries can be dangerous because they:

  • Cause sparks if they meet other objects like scissors, keys, or other batteries.
  • Can get crushed and damaged by equipment and cause fires at our landfills and recycling facilities if improperly thrown in carts.

  • Recycle your Batteries Canada!

    Take household batteries to a participating retailer drop-off location for free.

    Find a free drop-off location

  • Household hazardous waste drop-offs

    Take household batteries to a City location for free (no electronic devices).

    Find a City drop-off location

  • City Eco Centres

    Take devices with built-in batteries and household batteries (including damaged batteries) to a City Eco Centre for free.

    Eco Centre locations

The City of Calgary does not accept e-mobility (ebike, escooter) batteries or electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Please visit the What Goes Where search tool for disposal options. 

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