Get rid of old batteries properly and safely through curbside collection this November

Kawartha Lakes – From November 9 to 12, you can put your used household batteries out at the curb for collection on your regular garbage day. Make sure they’re out by 7am on your regular garbage day, so they don’t get missed!

To get your batteries ready, put them in a clear, re-sealable bag (Ziploc or similar) and leave the bag where your Miller Waste collector can easily see it. Do not place the bag on your recycling bin. 

This is also a great time to remind your family to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These alarms help keep everyone safe, so it’s important they always work properly.

Why should we recycle batteries? 

• Batteries can be harmful if they end up in the garbage. When they break down, they can leak chemicals into the ground, which pollutes soil and water.
•  Parts of batteries can be reused. Many batteries contain steel, which can be recycled many times.
• Recycling helps our landfills last longer. Every battery kept out of the garbage makes a difference.

What kind of batteries will be collected at the curb? 

Accepted items include:

• A, AA, AAA, C, D, 9V (including rechargeable)
• Button batteries (the small round ones)
• Lantern batteries 

These items are not accepted at the curb:

• Lithium-ion batteries (e.g. phones, laptops)
• Large rechargeable batteries (e.g. power tools)
• Car batteries
• Industrial batteries 

These must be taken to a household hazardous waste depot at the Lindsay Ops or Fenelon landfill sites.

How to prepare your batteries

• Put all single-use batteries in a clear, re-sealable bag (like a Ziploc)
• Put tape over the terminals of 9V batteries, and cover both sides of button batteries with tape
• Place the sealed bag at the curb on your regular pickup day between November 9 to 12
• Don’t put loose batteries in your recycling box
• Don’t include vape pens, ink cartridges, old light bulbs, lighters, smoke detectors, or anything that isn’t on the accepted list 

Curbside battery collection is offered twice a year, but you can recycle batteries anytime at drop-off locations in Kawartha Lakes. Visit the Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! website and use your postal code to find a spot near you.

Learn more about disposing household hazardous waste on the Landfill Diversion Programs page.