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: