By james art Durham Region and Environmental 360 Solutions received the North American Hazardous Materials Association’s 2024 Prestigious Public-Private Partnership Award for our battery recycling program. This award recognizes unique and effective partnerships in municipal hazardous waste services.
Since the first curbside collection in 2012, Durham has diverted almost 454,000 kilograms, or more than one million pounds, of batteries for recycling. It also served as a catalyst for battery recycling in Ontario, with more than 60 municipalities starting their own programs. In 2013, we won the Guinness World Records award for the most batteries collected in one day – 5,120 kilograms (11,288 pounds).
Our residents’ participation in our battery recycling program helps us protect the environment by keeping mercury, cadmium and other heavy metals out of the waste stream. Household batteries are actively managed in Ontario and recycled responsibly through proper handling and conservation of valuable renewable resources.
For more information about Durham Region’s battery recycling program, visit durham.ca/Battery.