Recycle lead-acid batteries
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What you can recycle
You can recycle all lead-acid batteries that fall under one of the following 5 categories:
- Sealed Lead Acid (such as, emergency lighting)
- Passenger and Light Truck Vehicle
- Commercial Truck Vehicle
- Motive (such as, electric forklifts)
- Stationary (such as, large power supply and emergency backup)
Why you should recycle
Batteries contain a number of heavy metals and toxic chemicals.
By recycling batteries, you're helping to:
- Divert waste from your local landfills
- Reduce the risk of soil contamination, water pollution, and exposure to corrosive acids
- Reduce the need for raw materials to manufacture new products
The Canadian Battery Association (CBA) is responsible for operating the EPR program for lead-acid batteries in B.C.
Where you can recycle
Batteries are accepted for free at participating retailers.
Also, private metal recyclers may accept lead-acid batteries, and in some cases, pay for them.
For local recycling options and locations, visit the Recycling Council of BC Recyclepedia.
What happens to lead-acid batteries when you recycle
The 3 basic components of lead-acid batteries are all 100% recyclable:
- Lead and lead products: 99% of lead is recovered during the smelting process and is recycled or sold as a commodity
- Electrolyte: 100% of sulphuric acid sold is recovered and is recycled, sold as a commodity or neutralized for disposal
- Plastics: Recycled and sold as a commodity
Guidance documents
The Hazardous Waste Regulation regulates the collection, storage, transportation and treatment of used or spent lead-acid batteries.
The following factsheets are provided as a resource to generators, transporters and receivers of used or spent lead-acid batteries:
- Disposal of Used or Spent Lead-acid Batteries for Commercial and Institutional Generators (PDF, 87KB)
- Disposal of Used or Spent Lead-acid Batteries for Manufacturers and Suppliers of Batteries (PDF, 142KB)
- Disposal of Used or Spent Lead-acid Batteries for Other Receivers of Batteries (PDF, 97KB)
- Guidance for Transporting Used or Spent Lead-acid Batteries (PDF, 117KB)
- Disposal of Used or Spent Lead-acid Batteries for Consumers (PDF, 105KB)