Lethbridge Lights Up the Path to Green: Curbside Battery Recycling Pilot Program Launched!

Lethbridge is taking a monumental leap towards a greener future, becoming the first city in Alberta to launch an innovative curbside battery collection pilot program! This exciting initiative, a collaborative effort with Call2Recycle Canada Inc., is set to revolutionize how residents manage their used household batteries, making environmental responsibility simpler and more accessible than ever before.

Gone are the days of wondering where to dispose of those spent AAAs or outdated cell phone batteries.

Starting May 27th, Lethbridge residents can effortlessly contribute to a healthier planet by simply placing their batteries in a clear, sealable bag and setting it on top of their blue recycling cart on collection day. This ingenious approach eliminates the need for special trips to drop-off centers, integrating seamlessly into existing recycling routines.

The program is designed to accept a wide array of common household batteries, ensuring most of your everyday power sources can be recycled.

This includes standard single-use and rechargeable batteries like AAs, AAAs, C, D, 9-volt, and 6-volt types, as well as button cell batteries and even cell phone batteries weighing under 5 kg. It's crucial, however, to remember a few exclusions: car batteries, industrial batteries, and any damaged or leaking batteries should still be handled through specialized hazardous waste programs to ensure safety and proper disposal.

But why is this program so vital? Every battery diverted from a landfill is a victory for the environment.

Batteries contain valuable materials such as cobalt, lithium, and nickel, which can be reclaimed and repurposed, reducing the demand for new raw materials. More importantly, they often contain hazardous chemicals that, if improperly discarded, can leach into the soil and water, posing significant environmental and health risks.

By participating, Lethbridge residents are directly preventing this pollution and fostering a circular economy.

The pilot program, set to run for one year, is entirely voluntary, encouraging community-wide participation in this easy-to-adopt green practice. The City of Lethbridge and Call2Recycle are optimistic that this convenient service will significantly boost battery recycling rates, empowering every household to make a tangible difference.

This bold step solidifies Lethbridge's position as a leader in urban sustainability and waste management, demonstrating a proactive commitment to preserving our natural resources for generations to come.

So, as May 27th approaches, start gathering those used batteries! Lethbridge is truly "all charged up" about this groundbreaking program, and with your participation, we can collectively power a brighter, cleaner future.