Recycling

Batteries

Battery Recycling

Proper battery recycling helps protect the environment and supports sustainability on campus. By safely storing and recycling used batteries, we can keep harmful materials out of landfills and recover valuable resources for reuse.

How to Recycle Your Used Batteries

Use the guidelines below to find the correct recycling method for your battery type.

⚠️ Follow the recycling instructions carefully to help prevent leaks, short circuits, and fires during storage, handling, and transportation.

⚠️ Lithium-ion batteries are dangerous goods and require special consideration — do not place them in dry cell battery recycling bins as they present an elevated risk for fire or explosion. Read More about safety risks of lithium-ion batteries. (link this to information on pages 3-8 of this document)

Alkaline Batteries

Multiple alkaline battery recycling stations are set up across campus:

  • Level 4 U.H. (B Section, outside B470)
  • Level 6 U.C.A. (by the ATM machine)
  • Level 2 Students’ Union (by the Bookstore)
  • Level 1 Markin Hall food kiosk
  • Level 9 across from Security
  • Level 1 Turcotte Hall Facilities – TH101
  • Level 1 Co-op Wellness Centre across the hallway by PE1W2
  • Level 2 Co-op Wellness Centre by Tim Horton’s tables 
  • WESB 1 near the kitchen area

Batteries are collected and stored until enough have been accumulated to cost-effectively ship for recycling. (Use Judy’s picture on her webpage)

Lithium-Ion Batteries

IF BATTERY IS IN GOOD CONDITION

Ensure terminals are taped and the battery is in a plastic bag.  Deposit in the recycling boxes set up across campus: (get locations from Judy as well as a photo of the box)

IF Lithium BATTERY IS SWOLLEN OR LEAKING

To coordinate safe removal, contact:

Facilities (Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm)

PH: 403-329-2602

Security Services (after hours)

PH:403-329-2345

Lithium-ion Battery Fire:  A Real Campus Incident

Think a Stored Battery Can’t Catch Fire?

May 2025 - Turcotte Hall

⚠️ A fully charged lithium-ion battery failed while sitting on a filing cabinet.

  • The battery was not charging and was not in use.
  • Smoke quickly filled the office, preventing safe entry.
  • The battery was located near the exit door, making evacuation more difficult.
  • Lithium-ion battery fires can grow rapidly and may reach flashover in as little as 90 seconds.
  • The battery was from an electrostatic sprayer and was less than 3 years old.

(insert photos from end of this document)

Quick Action Prevented a Major Fire

✅ Facilities staff responded quickly and the fire was contained to a single office.

Without that rapid response, the fire could have spread and caused significant damage to the building.

Stay Safe

  • Store batteries away from exits and combustible materials.
  • Inspect batteries regularly for damage.
  • Remove damaged, swollen, or overheating batteries from service immediately.
  • Follow the University's Lithium-Ion Battery Management Program.

Battery safety is everyone's responsibility

Lithium-ion batteries can fail without warning, even when stored and not charging.  A few simple precautions can prevent a serious fire.

Safety risks of lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries power many devices we use every day:

  • Cell phones

  • Laptops

  • Cameras

  • Research Equipment

  • Power tools
    E-bikes and scooters
    AEDs and medical equipment

While convenient, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, catch fire, or explode if damaged, used incorrectly, or charged improperly.

✅ Battery Safety Tips

Read Before You Use

  • Follow all manufacturer instructions and warnings.
  • Only use batteries and chargers approved for your device.

Charge Safely

  • Let batteries warm to room temperature before charging.
  • Never charge batteries when they are below freezing.
  • Do not leave batteries charging longer than recommended.
  • Charge on a hard, non-combustible surface.
  • Keep batteries in sight while charging.

Use the Right Charger

  • Use the charger supplied with the device whenever possible.
  • Replacement chargers must match the required voltage and current.
  • Look for recognized Canadian certification marks such as: 
    • CSA
    • cUL
    • cETL

Prevent Damage

  • Do not attempt repairs unless approved by the manufacturer.
  • Remove damaged, swollen, leaking, or overheated batteries from service immediately.
  • Never crush, puncture, or modify a battery.

Store Batteries Properly

  • Keep batteries away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
  • Store batteries away from metal objects such as: 
    • Keys
    • Coins
    • Tools
  • Battery terminals can short-circuit when they contact metal, causing fires or explosions.

 If a Battery Overheats, Smokes, or Smells Strange

Stop using it immediately.

✅ If safe to do so:

  • Move away from the battery.
  • Disconnect it from the charger or power source.
  • Keep people away from the area.
  • Move combustible materials away from the battery.
  • Contact Facilities to remove the battery safely

⚠️ Do NOT:

  • Touch a hot, smoking, or swelling battery.
  • Place the battery in regular garbage.
  • Attempt to puncture, crush, or open the battery.
  • Carry a damaged battery in your pocket, bag, or vehicle.

🔥 If the battery is smoking, sparking, or on fire:

  • Activate the fire alarm if required.
  • Evacuate the area.
  • Call 911 and Campus Security.
  • Only attempt to extinguish the fire if you have been trained and it is safe to do so.

Warning Signs of Battery Failure

  • Excessive heat
  • Swelling or bulging
  • Leaking fluids
  • Popping or hissing sounds
  • Smoke or unusual odours
  • Discolouration or burn marks

A hot, swollen, or smoking battery can ignite without warning. 

Treat it as an emergency and keep a safe distance. 

🚨 Remember

A lithium-ion battery can fail even when it is not being charged or used.

Store. Charge. Handle. Dispose. Safely.

Battery Safety Is Everyone's Responsibility

Stop Using Recalled Batteries

Some lithium-ion batteries have been recalled due to the risk of fire, overheating, or explosion.

✅ Check with the manufacturer to see if your battery or device has been recalled.

✅ Check the Resources section below for battery recall information.

✅ Report battery problems to the manufacturer.

⚠️ If your battery is recalled, stop using it immediately and follow the manufacturer's instructions for replacement or disposal. 

RESOURCES

Battery Charging – Lithium-Ion Batteries Safety Hazards (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety

Lithium-Ion Battery Safety (NFPA)

Battery Safety (Government of Canada)

Recalls & Safety Alerts (Government of Canada)

www.Recalls.gov (USA Government)

Call2Recycle Canada