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.
