Here's how to easily be rid of used batteries

Batteries are shown in this file photo. (Hilary Halliwell / Pexels)

What should you do with those old batteries piling up in your drawers? The City of Barrie wants residents to dispose of them safely rather than toss them in the trash.

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The City is hosting its annual Battery Collection Week next month to give residents a convenient way to get rid of used batteries while that also keeps harmful materials out of the landfill.

Households will receive battery collection bags with instructions on how to use them in the mail this week.

If you don't receive a bag, don't worry; you can also use any clear, sealable plastic bag and place it at the curb on collection day.

Handling Batteries

Store them in a cool, dry place away from anything flammable.

To prevent any risk of a fire or chemical leak, make sure that battery terminals aren't touching anything that could conduct electricity or heat.

For 9-volt and lithium batteries, cover the terminals with electrical tape before storing them.

What Happens Next

The collected batteries are sent for processing and broken down to separate and recycle their various components.

The curbside collection program accepts rechargeable and single-use batteries, including AAA, AA, A, C, D, 9-volt, and button batteries like those used in hearing aids and watches.

However, larger batteries, like those from cell phones, laptops, cars, or battery packs, aren't accepted through curbside pickup. Those batteries can be taken directly to the Barrie Landfill Site on Ferndale Drive North, which is open Tuesday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Battery collection weeks runs from November 4 to 8.