Fire Prevention Week: Recycle Batteries Safely

Public Service Announcement

Fire Prevention Week: Recycle Batteries Safely

October 9, 2025 – Iqaluit, Nunavut

 

As Fire Prevention Week continues, the City of Iqaluit reminds residents that fire safety extends beyond the home.

Improperly disposed lithium-ion batteries are a major fire hazard. Fires caused by damaged or loose batteries can occur in garbage trucks, waste bins, transfer stations, and landfills. These fires put people, equipment, and the environment at risk.

If you have damaged or end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, do not throw them in the garbage or recycling. Batteries should never be placed loose in household waste bags or bins for collection.

Bring them to the City Landfill, where they can be safely managed. The landfill accepts lithium-ion batteries and small electronic waste from residents only. Commercial battery disposal is not permitted. Please notify staff upon arrival for proper handling.

Common items with lithium-ion batteries include phones, tablets, e-bikes, power tools, and rechargeable household electronics.

Until you’re ready to drop them off, store batteries in a cool, dry place, away from metal, heat, and direct sunlight. Keep them in a non-flammable container and out of reach of children and pets.

If a battery is damaged or leaking, place it in a separate container and tape the terminals before bringing it in. This helps prevent sparks or short circuits during transport.

Safe battery disposal helps prevent fires and protects our community.

More fire prevention tips will be shared throughout the week.

 

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For additional information, please contact:

 

Geoff Byrne

Communications and Customer Service Manager

City of Iqaluit

867-979-5619 | G.Byrne@iqaluit.ca