As Canadians, we take pride in building sustainable communities and protecting the environment for future generations. Yet one of the most overlooked habits in our daily lives, how we dispose of batteries, has become a growing safety and environmental challenge.

 The Rising Importance of Battery Recycling

Batteries power our homes, workplaces, and increasingly, our mobility. From smartphones and laptops to e-bikes and power tools, the demand for batteries is continually increasing. But with this convenience comes responsibility.

Throwing batteries in the garbage is not only harmful to the environment, but it’s also dangerous. Even “dead” batteries can hold a residual charge, sparking fires when they come into contact with metal objects. Proper recycling prevents toxic substances from entering landfills, reduces fire risks, and ensures valuable materials like metal alloys are recovered and reused to create new products such as batteries, cookware, and appliances.

Battery recycling is more than a good habit; it’s an essential safeguard for our communities.

Lithium-Ion Batteries: A Growing Safety Concern

Lithium-ion batteries, the power source behind many of today’s devices and e-mobility products, are particularly vulnerable to improper handling. Fires linked to these batteries are rising sharply.

• In Toronto, lithium-ion battery fires have surged 162% in the past two years.
• In 2024 alone, Toronto Fire Services responded to 76 fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. By mid-2025, that number had already reached 43 incidents, including a high-rise fire that injured both residents and first responders.
• Many of these fires were traced back to unsafe practices, such as modifying or attempting to extend the life of batteries.

These statistics are a stark reminder: safe disposal and recycling are not optional; they are urgent priorities.

Safe Disposal Starts at Home

Every North American household contains, on average, 100 batteries. Each one represents both potential risk and opportunity. Canadians can take three simple steps to protect their families and communities:

• Collect: Store used batteries in a non-metal container such as a shoebox, plastic takeout container, or glass jar.
• Protect: Cover battery terminals with non-conductive tape or place each battery in a separate plastic bag. Store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
• Drop Off: Every three months, bring your batteries to a designated collection site. This prevents corrosion and ensures the safe recycling of materials.

By adopting these steps, households can dramatically reduce fire risks while contributing to a healthier environment.

Call2Recycle: Canada’s Trusted Battery Steward

Since 1997, Call2Recycle has been Canada’s leader in battery collection and recycling. Working alongside manufacturers, retailers, governments, and municipalities, we’ve diverted over 55 million kilograms of batteries from landfills.

• In 2024 alone, we recycled 2.7 million kilograms of batteries in Ontario.
• With more than 15,000 collection sites nationwide, nearly 90% of Canadians live within 15 km of a drop-off location.
• Our partnerships with over 400 members, including producers of single-use and rechargeable batteries, ensure that recycling is accessible, safe, and effective.

For Torontonians and Ontarians, finding the nearest drop-off point is simple: visit recycleyourbatteries.ca and enter your postal code.

Battery recycling is not just about waste management; it’s about protecting lives, safeguarding communities, and building a sustainable future. As fires linked to lithium-ion batteries rise, the need for responsible disposal has never been greater.

At Call2Recycle, we believe every Canadian household can be part of the solution. Together, we can reduce risks, recover valuable resources, and ensure that batteries continue to power our lives, safely and sustainably.