Region wins award for battery recycling program

Lisha Van Nieuwenhove

Durham Region and Environmental 360 Solutions have received the North American Hazardous Materials Management Association’s 2024 Prestige Public Private Partnership award for their battery recycling program. This award recognizes unique and effective partnerships in household hazardous waste services, including best recycling/reuse strategies, best documented educational strategies resulting in positive behavior change, and/or best documented hazard reduction.

According to a statement made by the region when the award was announced, Durham has diverted almost 454,000 kilograms, or more than one million pounds of batteries, for recycling since the first curbside collection in 2012. It has also served as the catalyst for curbside battery recycling throughout Ontario, with more than 60 municipalities starting their own programs. In 2013, the Region won the Guinness World Records award for the most batteries collected in one day - 5,120 kilograms (11,288 pounds).

In addition to curbside collection offered in both the spring and fall, the Region provides residents with a network of facilities, special events and curbside collection where batteries are recycled. Drop-off locations include the waste management facilities in Oshawa, Scugog, and Brock. Many multi-residential properties include onsite battery collection as well.

Durham's battery collection programs continue to maximize the collection of batteries, while keeping mercury, cadmium, and other heavy metals out of the waste stream. Household batteries are actively managed in Ontario and recycled through processing and conservation of recoverable resources.

The next curbside battery collection for Durham Region is scheduled to run April 28 to May 2, 2025. Sealed battery bags should be placed on top of your closed green bin for collection during this time. For more information about Durham Region’s battery recycling program, visit durham.ca/Battery.