City piloting curbside battery recycling program November 18-28

Tired of old and dead batteries rolling around in your junk drawer?

The City of Lethbridge, in partnership with Call2Recycle Canada, is excited to announce the Curbside Battery Collection Program. From November 18-28, residents can bag their batteries and set them out for curbside pick-up the same day as their green cart.

“Batteries can be tricky to get rid of, and we recognize that residents need simple and convenient disposal options to maximize diversion,” says Mandi Parker, GM of Waste and Environment, City of Lethbridge. “We’re proud to team up with Call2Recycle and lead the charge to help residents safely and efficiently dispose of household batteries.”

This initiative marks a key milestone for safe battery disposal as it will be the first of its kind in Alberta. It reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to advancing practical recycling solutions that protect its residents, community and environment.

“Our Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! program is made by Canadians, for Canadians,” said Joe Zenobio, President and CEO, Call2Recycle Canada. “We bring battery recycling where people are, at home, at work, and in their neighbourhoods, so doing the right thing is as convenient as possible. We’re thrilled to partner with the City of Lethbridge on this first program in Alberta.”

“We’re hoping to see lots of interest and participation from our community,” says Parker. “Batteries do not belong in the landfill and this pilot program is a big step toward diverting them.”

How the Curbside Battery Collection Program works

Throughout the week of October 6-10, some households in Lethbridge will receive a battery collection bag delivered to their address, with easy-to-follow instructions for safe packing:

• Stick tape over the positive (+) terminals of your batteries.
• Place batteries inside the provided bag, close it securely and store it away from children and pets.
• From November 18-28, on your scheduled green cart collection day, place the bag on top of your green cart so it’s visible to collection crews. Please do not place the bag inside your cart.
• Once collected, bags are transported to approved recycling facilities for sorting and processing.

Households who do not directly receive a bag can still participate in a couple of ways:

• Pick up a recyclable battery collection bag at:
  • Any of the City’s three yard waste sites
  • City Hall (in the foyer)
  • Helen Schuler Nature Centre
  • Any Lethbridge Public Library location
  • Any of the City's six arenas
• Use a store-bought resealable plastic bag and follow the steps outlined above.

Most household and single-use batteries are accepted, including: AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, coin/button cells and batteries under 5 kg. Rechargeables, NiCad, NiMH, Lithium-Ion, car batteries, battery packs and industrial batteries are not accepted.

Batteries can ignite and explode if they are not disposed of properly. They pose a significant risk to Waste and Environment crews and other residents and should never be placed in curbside carts. Download the free Lethbridge Loop app or use the Waste Wizard tool online to look up proper disposal methods for all types of batteries and tricky waste items.

For full program details, accepted battery types and bilingual instructions, visit recycleyourbatteries.ca. Residents can also get more information by contacting 311.

About Call2Recycle Canada

Call2Recycle is Canada’s leading organization for the collection and recycling of batteries and battery-powered products. As a trusted steward for more than 400 members, including producers of single-use and rechargeable batteries, Call2Recycle fulfills regulatory obligations while advancing a circular economy. For more information visit Call2Recycle's website.

For Public Inquiries:
Call or chat with 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.