Durham Region spring curbside battery collection runs April 20–24 on green bin days

Durham Region says it will run its spring curbside battery collection from April 20 to 24 for households across the region that currently receive curbside collection services, with pickup taking place on each home’s green bin collection day. Residents are asked to put used household batteries in a clear, sealable plastic bag and set the bag on top of a closed green bin.

The region is also urging residents not to put batteries in the garbage or blue box, saying lithium batteries can ignite if crushed in a garbage truck or in material recovery equipment.

Durham Region reports that since the first curbside battery collection in November 2012, residents have diverted more than 513 tonnes (1,149,770 pounds) of household batteries from the waste stream.

Residents who miss their curbside collection day can drop off household batteries at Durham Region Waste Management Facilities year-round, free of charge, the region says.

For storage and handling, Durham Region says batteries should be kept in a cool, dry location away from heat, sunlight and moisture, and not left outdoors or stored in large quantities because they can overheat.

The region says not to mix alkaline, lithium, NiMH and lead-acid batteries in one bag or container, because different chemistries can react with each other or cause overheating. It also advises storing batteries in a plastic or cardboard box rather than a metal container, which can conduct electricity.

Durham Region says exposed terminals on lithium, nine-volt and other batteries should be covered on both ends with non-conductive tape, such as electrical or duct tape, to help prevent short circuits and fires during storage or transport.

For damaged lithium batteries, Durham Region says residents should not touch leaking or swollen batteries and should wear gloves and eye protection if they see corrosion or white powder. The region says to isolate the battery in a plastic bag or place it in a cardboard box with sand or kitty litter, then drop it off at one of its Waste Management Facilities.

Durham Region also says batteries should be kept out of reach of young children.