An old e-bike battery is one of the riskiest items in a garage. Lithium ion packs can overheat when damaged or mishandled, and that can lead to a fire. That is why e-bike and scooter batteries never go in the garbage, a recycling bin or a Trash King bin. This guide covers where Metro Vancouver residents can take them, what the programs say about careful handling and what to do with the rest of the cleanout.
Why these batteries are different
Recycle Your Batteries, Canada, the Call2Recycle program, explains that e mobility batteries are high capacity lithium ion batteries. If they get overheated, damaged or improperly handled, they can go through a chemical reaction called thermal runaway, which can lead to a fire. Its page says e mobility batteries should never be placed in the trash or your regular recycling bin.
Metro Vancouver says the same at its facilities. Its battery page states that lithium ion batteries cause most battery related fires at Metro Vancouver recycling and waste facilities, and asks you not to put them in the garbage or blue bin.
What the program accepts
According to Recycle Your Batteries, Canada, the program takes lithium ion batteries from personal electric transportation devices including:
- Electric bicycles
- Electric scooters
- Electric skateboards
- Electric hoverboards
These batteries cannot go in the standard collection boxes or smart containers you may see at stores. They must go to collection points with specialized boxes. The program says you can find them at many e-bike retailers, sports stores and municipal waste facilities, and suggests using its locator and picking "e mobility batteries" in the search filter.
Metro Vancouver recycling and waste centres
Metro Vancouver says it accepts all batteries at no charge at its recycling and waste centres. It asks you to speak to a staff member at the depot to confirm where to place them carefully. To find a location, search “Batteries” in the Metro Vancouver Recycles tool or call 604 RECYCLE (604-732-9253).
City of Vancouver pop up events
The City of Vancouver lists electric bike, scooter, skateboard and hoverboard batteries as accepted at its pop up recycling events. Mini pop up events list electric scooter, bike or skateboard batteries too. Events change, so check the City page for the current schedule instead of assuming a date.
What about the whole e-bike
Recycle Your Batteries, Canada says that in BC you can recycle an entire e-bike. E-bikes from select brands can be picked up by request through its BC E Transport Recycling program. Check its page to see whether your brand qualifies.
Handling and storage tips
The program's safety tips for e mobility batteries include:
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for charging, storing and handling.
- Use only the original equipment manufacturer's charger.
- Charge the battery plugged directly into a wall outlet, never into a charging strip or extension cord.
- Never charge it unattended or overnight, and never leave it plugged in when it is not charging.
- Avoid charging or storing it in extreme temperatures.
- Handle with care. Do not drop it or submerge it in water.
- Do not modify it or try to repair it.
If a battery is swollen, leaking or damaged, do not use a regular drop off box. Call the facility or the program first, and ask how to hand it over carefully.
Do not put them in a bin
Trash King delivers the bin and hauls it away, and you load it. Batteries are not allowed. Electronics and lithium ion packs never go in the bin, along with the other items on our what not to put in a bin page. Pull them out of the garage before you start loading. Do not bury them under other items.
Never load paint, propane, tires, fuel or electronics into a Trash King bin. For the full list, see our what not to put in a bin page.
When a cleanout includes more than a battery
If the e-bike is one part of a bigger garage or storage cleanout, split the work. Take the battery to a program drop off. Take other electronics to an electronics recycler. Use a bin for the non hazardous rest. See our electronics page for where electronics go. For laptops, phones and other gadgets, our guide to safely recycling electronics, batteries and e-waste covers the general steps, while this post stays on e-bike and scooter batteries.
Most people planning junk, cleanouts and renos begin with the 20-yard. Details are on the 20-yard bin page. A 15-yard junk bin is sometimes available, but it is often sold out, so plan around the 20-yard. Other smaller sizes? Ask when you book. We deliver the bin and haul it away. You handle the loading.
Where the bin goes decides the paperwork. Putting the bin on private property, like your driveway or yard, needs no permit. A street, boulevard or lane spot is different, since some cities need a permit for it. Check with your City before you book. Check any strata or HOA rules as well, since they can still apply. If yours does, apply with the City, and we time delivery to any permit dates.
FAQ
Can I put an e-bike battery in the garbage? No. Recycle Your Batteries, Canada says e mobility batteries should never be placed into the trash or regular recycling bin.
Where do I drop one off in Metro Vancouver? Metro Vancouver recycling and waste centres accept all batteries free, and the program's locator lists e mobility collection points. Ask staff where to place the battery carefully.
Can I recycle the whole e-bike? In BC, e-bikes from select brands can be picked up by request through the BC E Transport Recycling program.
Can a damaged battery go in a normal drop off box? Call ahead. The program says e mobility batteries need specialized collection boxes.
Does the City of Vancouver take them? The City lists e mobility batteries as accepted at pop up recycling events. Check the City page for dates.