City Hall warning about battery disposal following recent fires
Posted Aug 5, 2026 10:37 am.
City of Calgary officials are warning about the danger of improper battery disposal after a pair of recent fires are being linked to batteries.
The city says the fires took place at Spyhill and Shepard landfills, and “highlight the importance of following safe battery handling practices.”
They add, ” throwing (batteries) in the garbage or recycling bin is dangerous. If crushed or damaged, they can spark fires or even explode.”
A number of tips are being offered as to proper disposal, such as:
Before recycling, store batteries properly at home.
Keep them in their original packaging.
Tape the terminals with packing, duct, or electrical tape (leave brand and chemistry labels visible).
Place them in a clear, sealable bag. AA, AAA, C, and D batteries can be grouped together.
Know what counts as a battery powered device. If it lights up, makes noise, or connects to Wi-Fi, it likely has a built-in battery. Devices include phones /tablets, vapes and e-cigarettes, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
The city also points out batteries don’t belong in blue, black or green bins. Rather, you should drop off batteries at designated locations, including Recycle Your Batteries Canada!, household waste locations, and city Eco Centres.
