Call2Recycle Canada completes Alberta’s first curbside battery pickup event

The city of Lethbridge, Alberta, and Call2Recycle Canada have announced the successful completion of Alberta’s first curbside household battery pickup event. Between Nov. 18 and 28, households disposed of more than 3,000 kilograms (approximately 6,615 pounds) of used household batteries for responsible recycling.

“We’re incredibly proud of our community for stepping up and participating in this pilot program,” says Mandi Parker, general manager of waste and environment for the city of Lethbridge. “Residents helped divert more than 3,000 kilograms of batteries from our landfill, which is a huge win for our community and environment. We're excited to build on this year’s successes in future curbside battery recycling efforts.”

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“Lethbridge took a bold step in being the first to bring curbside battery recycling to households across an Alberta city,” Call2Recycle Canada President and CEO Joe Zenobio says. “Leadership means going first, and Lethbridge did just that. This strong inaugural result is only the beginning, and we’re confident that participation and collection volumes will continue to grow year over year. We’re grateful for the city’s partnership and determination to make responsible battery recycling simple and convenient for every resident.”

The initiative is part of the “Recycle Your Batteries, Canada!” program, launched in Alberta in April 2025 under the oversight of the Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA). The curbside pilot complements the province’s expanding network of drop-off locations.

“Batteries never belong in garbage bins, curbside carts or the landfill, and proper battery disposal has a big impact on sustainability and safety within our community,” says Parker. “This program made it easier for residents to contribute to a greener future.”

With its first curbside battery collection now complete, the city of Lethbridge will review results and resident feedback in preparation for next year’s expanded program, which is expected to surpass 2025 in both participation and total volume collected, according to Call2Recycle Canada.