This April, celebrate Earth Day and contribute to a greener Peel by reducing the number of batteries sent to landfill.

From April 11 to April 22, residents are encouraged to put their single-use and rechargeable batteries out for spring battery collection.

Thanks to Peel residents, we’ve collected over 140,000 kgs of batteries since the start of the program in 2016 to ensure safe and responsible recycling of used batteries.

Free curbside battery collection happens in Peel each spring and fall, providing residents with a convenient way to dispose of their batteries safely.

Instructions for the spring battery collection period:

• Check your waste collection calendar online at peelregion.ca/waste to find out your battery collection day.

• Gather your used single-use and rechargeable batteries in a transparent, sealed bag.

• On your designated battery collection day, place your transparent, sealed bag of batteries on top of your closed organics (green) bin. If you don't have a green bin, place your bag of batteries beside your recycling bags.

Other tips:

• Sealed lead acid and car batteries are not accepted at the curb.

• These and other types of batteries are accepted free of charge at any Peel Community Recycling Centre, year-round, for safe disposal.

• If you live in an apartment or condominium, check with your building property manager on how to dispose of batteries safely.

As a reminder, batteries do not belong in garbage or recycling bins. Batteries mixed in with recycling can cause a fire hazard at the recycling facility. Batteries also contaminate other recyclables which must then be sent to landfill.

For more information, visit peelregion.ca/waste.