Curbside Battery Collection Week returns 1) November 3 to 7 in Barrie; 2)Battery Collection Week returns: Free recycling bags available across Barrie, Orillia and Simcoe County

1) Curbside Battery Collection Week returns November 3 to 7 in Barrie

Courtesy Barrie360.com and News Release

By City of Barrie,

During the first full week of November, residents are encouraged to dispose of their batteries through the City’s Battery Collection Week. Collected batteries are sent for processing to separate and recycle the various components. 

“Batteries are considered hazardous waste and should never be placed in your curbside garbage or recycling bins,” says Stephanie Mack, Associate Director of Waste Management and Environmental Sustainability. “Proper disposal is essential—not only to protect the environment, but also to help prevent fires caused by batteries in garbage trucks and at waste facilities.”

To participate:

• Place filled battery recycling bags ON TOP of either your garbage or organics cart on your regular curbside collection day next week.
• If no cart is set out, place bags on the ground at the curb.
• Bags must be clearly visible to the driver of the collection vehicle.
• Do not place bags inside carts or recycling containers.

The program is for single-use batteries only, including:

• Type AAA, AA, A, C, D, 9-Volt and button batteries commonly used for hearing aids and watches.
• Cell phone, laptop, car batteries and battery packs are NOT accepted, but these materials can be taken to the landfill for safe collection.

Batteries should be stored in a cool, dry location, away from any flammable material. Do not use the battery recycling bag to store batteries long term; this can be a fire hazard.During storage, battery terminals should not be in contact with materials that could conduct electricity or heat. Some battery types require terminal protection, like taping. Visit RecycleYourBatteries.ca/battery-safety for detailed information on how to protect terminals. 

Due to current uncertainty in the postal service, battery recycling bags were not mailed this year. Battery recycling bags are available for pickup until November 7 at select City facilities; visit barrie.ca/BatteryCollectionWeek for a complete list of pickup locations. Residents can also use clear, sealable bags, or unused battery recycling bags previously provided by the City. Outside of Battery Collection Week each November, batteries can be disposed of for free at the Barrie Landfill, 272 Ferndale Drive North.

2)Battery Collection Week returns: Free recycling bags available across Barrie, Orillia and Simcoe County

Courtesy Barrie360.com and News Release

By Newsroom, October 31, 2025

Residents across Barrie, Orillia, and Simcoe County are encouraged to participate in Battery Collection Week, taking place November 3 to 7, 2025. This annual initiative promotes the safe and environmentally responsible disposal of household batteries — and this year, free battery recycling bags are available for pickup at select locations.

Due to ongoing Canada Post delivery disruptions, battery bags will not be mailed out in 2025. Instead, residents can pick them up at designated facilities or use a clear, resealable plastic bag (like a Ziploc) to participate.

Barrie: Where to Get Battery Bags

Battery recycling bags are available for pickup until November 7 at the following Barrie locations:

Peggy Hill Team Community Centre – 171 Mapleton Avenue

Allandale Recreation Centre – 190 Bayview Drive

East Bayfield Community Centre – 80 Livingstone Street East

Barrie Landfill Site – 272 Ferndale Drive North

Available at the Recycling Depot, Environmental Administration Building, and Waste & Recycling Depot

City Hall (Service Barrie) – 70 Collier Street, First Floor

Barrie Public Library

Downtown Branch – 60 Worsley Street

Holly Branch – 555 Essa Road, Unit 17

Painswick Branch – 48 Dean Avenue

On your regular collection day during Battery Collection Week, place your sealed battery bag on top of either your garbage or recycling cart — not inside — to ensure it’s visible for collection crews.

Orillia: How to Participate

Orillia’s special curbside battery collection also runs from November 3 to 7, 2025.

Residents should:

Place spent household batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, button batteries, etc.) in a sealed, clear plastic bag.

Set the bag on the ground with your regular curbside waste items — not on top of the recycling bin.

This simple step helps ensure safe collection and proper recycling of hazardous materials.

Simcoe County: Environmental Action in Your Community

The County of Simcoe is also preparing for Battery Collection Week, encouraging all residents to take part in this important environmental initiative.

If you have a designated battery bag, please use it.

If not, you can use a large, clear resealable bag.

On your scheduled collection day, place the bag on top of your waste cart, not inside it.

Battery bags are available for pickup at all County waste facilities and other select locations. For a full list of pickup sites, visit the County’s website or contact Service Simcoe at 705-735-6901 or service@simcoe.ca.

What Batteries Are Accepted?

Accepted:

Dry cell, single-use batteries: AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, button batteries

Not accepted:

Rechargeable batteries (NiCad, NiMH, Lithium Ion)

Car batteries

Industrial battery packs

These must be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste Depot, available year-round for free.

Why It Matters

Improperly disposed batteries can leak harmful chemicals into the environment. By participating in Battery Collection Week, you’re helping to:

Prevent soil and water contamination

Conserve valuable resources

Support a cleaner, safer community