The Importance of Recycling Batteries: Protecting the Environment from Hazardous Waste
April 01, 2025
Ever wondered “Can I throw batteries in the garbage?” or “Where do I recycle batteries in Toronto?” If so, you’re not alone. Every year, millions of people toss old batteries into the trash without realizing the environmental damage it causes. Batteries aren’t just harmless pieces of metal and plastic—they contain toxic chemicals like lead, lithium, and mercury that can contaminate soil and water.
When improperly disposed of, batteries become hazardous waste. They can leak harmful substances, start fires in landfills, and contribute to air and water pollution. But recycling batteries? That’s a game-changer. It keeps toxins out of the environment, conserves valuable materials, and helps create a sustainable future.
In this guide, we’ll answer the most searched questions about battery recycling, so you know exactly what to do with your dead batteries—and why it matters.
1. Can You Throw Batteries in the Trash?
Short Answer: No, and Here’s Why
Throwing batteries in the trash might seem like no big deal, but it’s actually illegal in some areas, including parts of Canada. That’s because batteries contain hazardous materials that can:
- Leak toxic chemicals into the ground, contaminating soil and water
- Cause landfill fires due to lithium-ion batteries sparking under pressure
- Contribute to electronic waste (e-waste), one of the fastest-growing pollution problems worldwide
Which Batteries Are the Most Dangerous to Throw Away?
Some batteries are more hazardous than others. Here’s what you need to know:
- Alkaline Batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V): While newer alkaline batteries contain fewer harmful chemicals, it’s still best to recycle them.
- Lithium-Ion Batteries (Phones, Laptops, Power Tools): Extremely dangerous if thrown in the trash—they can cause landfill fires.
- Car Batteries (Lead-Acid): Illegal to dispose of in landfills due to high lead content. Must be taken to a recycling center.
- Rechargeable Batteries (NiCd, NiMH, Lithium): Should always be recycled, as they contain harmful heavy metals.
The bottom line? Never throw batteries in the garbage. There’s always a better way to dispose of them.
2. Where Can I Recycle Batteries in Toronto?
Best Places to Recycle Batteries in Toronto
Toronto has plenty of convenient battery recycling locations. Here are the top places to take your used batteries:
- Call2Recycle Drop-Off Locations: Many retailers, including Canadian Tire, Best Buy, Staples, and Home Depot, accept used batteries through Call2Recycle.
- Toronto Waste Drop-Off Depots: The city provides Community Environment Days where residents can drop off hazardous waste, including batteries.
- Electronic and Battery Recycling Events: Various organizations hold recycling drives where you can safely dispose of batteries and other e-waste.
How to Find a Recycling Location Near You
Not sure where to go? You can use Call2Recycle’s location finder to search for battery drop-off sites in Toronto. Just enter your postal code, and you’ll see a list of nearby recycling points.
3. What Happens If Batteries End Up in Landfills?
The Environmental Damage of Battery Waste
When batteries aren’t recycled properly, they don’t just disappear—they leave a toxic legacy that can last for decades.
- Soil Contamination: Lead and mercury seep into the ground, killing beneficial microorganisms and making the soil infertile.
- Water Pollution: Rainwater carries battery toxins into lakes and rivers, poisoning drinking water and harming fish and wildlife.
- Fire Hazard: Lithium-ion batteries can explode when compacted under landfill waste, causing fires that burn for weeks.
A 2021 study found that 80% of batteries disposed of in landfills leak harmful substances—a staggering statistic that underscores the urgency of proper disposal.
Recycling vs. Landfill: A Real-World Example
Take California, for instance. The state has strict laws against throwing batteries in the trash, yet nearly 860,000 pounds of improperly discarded batteries were found in landfills in just one year. The result? Water contamination, soil pollution, and increased hazardous waste cleanup costs.
Toronto is no different—if we don’t recycle batteries, we’re creating an environmental disaster.
4. How Do I Properly Prepare Batteries for Recycling?
Steps to Take Before Recycling Batteries
Recycling batteries isn’t as simple as tossing them into a bin. To ensure safety and efficiency, follow these steps:
- Sort by Type: Keep alkaline, lithium-ion, rechargeable, and lead-acid batteries separate.
- Tape the Terminals: Lithium-ion and 9V batteries can still hold a charge, posing a fire risk. Cover the terminals with electrical tape before recycling.
- Store in a Safe Container: Use a non-metallic container (like a plastic tub) to store used batteries until you’re ready to drop them off.
- Check Expiry Dates: Some rechargeable batteries lose effectiveness after multiple charges—replace and recycle them accordingly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Do NOT store batteries in metal containers—they could short-circuit and start a fire.
❌ Do NOT throw batteries in household recycling bins—they require specialized processing.
❌ Do NOT try to open or dismantle batteries—the chemicals inside can be dangerous.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure your batteries are safely and efficiently recycled.
5. What Are the Benefits of Recycling Batteries?
1. Prevents Pollution
Every battery you recycle reduces the amount of toxic waste that enters landfills, protecting the environment and future generations.
2. Conserves Natural Resources
Batteries contain valuable metals like lithium, nickel, and lead. By recycling them, we reduce the need for destructive mining and preserve finite resources.
3. Reduces Energy Use
Did you know that recycling a single AA battery saves enough energy to power a TV for 6 hours? Battery recycling cuts down on the energy required to produce new batteries from raw materials.
4. Creates a Sustainable Future
Battery recycling isn’t just about avoiding harm—it’s about creating a circular economy where materials are continuously reused.
Final Thoughts: Your Role in Battery Recycling
Recycling batteries isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the only responsible choice. Whether you’re a homeowner, a business owner, or just someone who wants to make a difference, taking a few simple steps to recycle your batteries prevents pollution, protects natural resources, and keeps our communities safe.
So, what can you do today?
✅ Find a battery recycling drop-off location near you
✅ Store old batteries safely until you can recycle them
✅ Encourage friends and family to recycle batteries responsibly
By making small, intentional choices, we can keep hazardous waste out of landfills and create a cleaner, greener future for Toronto and beyond.