Battery Recycling

Battery recycling is an important part of sustainability on our campuses. By properly storing and recycling used batteries, we can prevent harmful substances from being leached into the environment and reclaim valuable resources.

Learn how to recycle your used batteries with the chart below and follow these guidelines to prevent the risk of leakage or fire:

  • All batteries 9V or larger need to have their positive terminals taped off with non-conductive tape (e.g., electrical tape) or be sealed in a plastic bag prior to disposal.
  • Always store batteries in a plastic container (no cardboard boxes, etc.).
  • Keep batteries in a cool, dry place.
  • Lithium-ion batteries are dangerous goods and require special consideration — do not place them in dry cell battery recycling bins as they present an elevated risk for fire or explosion. Read more about safety risks of lithium ion batteries.

How to recycle different types of used batteries

Type of Battery If battery is in good condition If battery is leaking/swollen

Alkaline
Carbon Zinc
(e.g., traditional AA, AAA)

Bring to the nearest battery recycling bin.

Ensure that the battery is stored in a sturdy plastic bag to contain the leak. Bring to the nearest battery recycling bin.

Lithium coin cell
(e.g., button batteries)

Bring to the nearest battery recycling bin.

Ensure that the battery is stored in a sturdy plastic bag to contain the leak. Bring to the nearest battery recycling bin.

Nickel Cadmium
Nickel Metal Hydroxide
Nickel Zinc
(e.g., rechargeable AA, AAA)

Bring to the nearest battery recycling bin.

Ensure that the battery is stored in a sturdy plastic bag to contain the leak. Bring to the nearest battery recycling bin.

Lead-acid
(e.g., traditional car batteries)

Ensure terminals are taped or the battery is in a plastic bag. Use CHEMATIX to create a Waste Card, then create a Waste Pick-Up Sheet.

Ensure that the battery is contained in a plastic container (or a plastic tray, if too large) to contain the leak. Use CHEMATIX to create a Waste Card, then create a Waste Pick-Up Sheet.

Lithium-ion
(e.g., laptop batteries, large rechargeable batteries)

Ensure terminals are taped or the battery is in a plastic bag. Contact zerowaste@ualberta.ca to coordinate removal.

Ensure battery is contained (preferably in a fireproof bag) and labelled "Damaged Lithium Battery". Contact zerowaste@ualberta.ca to coordinate removal.

Have more questions about recycling batteries? Not sure where your nearest disposal point is? Please reach out to zerowaste@ualberta.ca for more information.