Batteries and Cells
Batteries (dry cells) contain various metals and other compounds that can end up in the environment if not disposed of properly. To prevent toxic substances such as cadmium, mercury, lead, and nickel from polluting the environment, the Chaleur Regional Service Commission encourages residents to drop off their batteries at one of the collection sites before they are sent to a specialized recycling company.
Residents can also drop off their compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and spiral-shaped energy-efficient bulbs in the designated bin. CFLs contain mercury, a toxic heavy metal that can be dangerous even at very low concentrations in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Mercury can accumulate in living organisms, leading to increasing toxicity levels in species such as predatory fish, birds, and mammals—including humans—who consume fish (Environment Canada, 2010). Mercury can therefore impact ecosystems and biodiversity, as well as human health.
Lamp Recycle Program
Unlike in the past, when only fluorescent tubes and CFL lamps (compact fluorescent lamps) were collected, all types of lamps are now accepted (still free of charge) under the current lamp recycling program. This includes incandescent bulbs, HID (High-Intensity Discharge) lamps, LED (Light-Emitting Diode) bulbs, and more. Residents may choose to bring their lamps directly to the landfill site or to one of our 13 collection points located throughout the Chaleur Region. Additional collection points will be established in the coming months to ensure coverage across the entire region. This program is administered by Product Care Recycling: Lamp Recycling in Canada – Product Care Recycling.
