GFL Squamish pilots curbside battery collection program 

The GFL Environmental Squamish branch recently launched a curbside battery collection program, in partnership with Call2Recycle's Recycle Your Batteries, Canada!, making it the first community in British Columbia to introduce this initiative.  

“I believe people want to do the right thing, and if recycling is accessible and easy, they will participate,” General Manager Denise Imbeau said. “By encouraging residents to properly dispose of batteries, we’ll keep our employees safe and help the environment — it’s a win-win situation!”  

The program enables batteries to be collected directly from local residences, so residents don’t have to take their batteries to a facility or collection point.  

Residents place their batteries in a clear resealable bag on top of their recycling tote at the curb, which lets the GFL collection team know that they would like their batteries collected.  

After collection, the batteries are taken to the Squamish branch, packaged, and picked up by Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! to begin the recycling process. 

The initiative began earlier this year when a Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! representative approached the Squamish branch about starting a battery collection program.  

Each year, millions of batteries end up in landfills, where toxic chemicals can leach into the ground and harm the environment. Improperly stored or disposed of batteries can also cause fires, especially if they come into contact with metal or other batteries. 

Recycling batteries properly not only prevents them from ending up in landfills but also allows for the recovery of valuable metals, which can be used in new products.  

In June, GFL crews collected 740 kilograms of batteries from 286 Squamish homes, which accounted for 54% of the batteries collected at the Squamish branch in 2023.  

“With the great results from the first week, it’s clear that we’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg,” Imbeau said. “We had 4% of homes participating, and there’s a significant opportunity to expand this number as more people get involved.” 

As the program expands, Imbeau plans to introduce dedicated battery collection pails for commercial businesses.   

The next battery collection week in Squamish is scheduled for November 4. 

“The ultimate goal of the program is to encourage people to think before they dispose of waste such as batteries,” Imbeau said. “It’s a collaborative effort, and I want our partners to highlight our sustainable initiatives and inspire other communities to follow suit.”  

Looking ahead, Squamish plans to conduct battery pickups twice a year and hopes the program will continue to grow.

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