Why Lithium And Alkaline Batteries Are Prohibited At Inland Steel Products
Batteries are common in many types of scrap metal loads. When cleaning out garages, shops, or job sites, it’s not unusual to find batteries mixed in with other metal items.
Because batteries contain metal components, many people assume they can be brought to a scrap metal recycling facility along with other materials.
However, not all batteries can be handled through standard scrap metal recycling. Lithium and alkaline batteries are not accepted at Inland Steel Products locations. These batteries require specialized recycling and cannot be processed safely alongside general scrap metal.
At the same time, lead acid batteries, such as automotive and equipment batteries are accepted.
Understanding the difference helps ensure your scrap can be unloaded and processed without delays.
Lithium and Alkaline Batteries Are Not Accepted
Lithium and alkaline batteries are commonly used in everyday household items and electronics, but they are prohibited at Inland Steel Products facilities.
Examples include:
- AA, AAA, C, and D alkaline batteries
- 9-volt batteries
- button cell batteries
- lithium-ion batteries from electronics
- rechargeable batteries from cordless tools
- batteries from small household devices
These types of batteries cannot be processed safely through normal scrap metal handling and recycling operations.
During scrap recycling, materials may be compacted, moved in bulk, or processed using heavy equipment. Lithium and alkaline batteries can become unstable if crushed or damaged, which is why they must be kept out of scrap loads brought to Inland Steel Products facilities.
Lead Acid Batteries Are Accepted
While lithium and alkaline batteries are prohibited, lead acid batteries are accepted and recycled at Inland Steel Products.
Lead acid batteries are commonly found in:
- Vehicles
- Farm equipment
- Semi-trucks
- Industrial machinery
These batteries are designed to be recycled at scrap metal facilities, and there are established systems that recover the lead and other materials they contain safely.
Scrap Metal Accepted At Inland Steel Products
At Inland Steel Products, we pay top dollar for a wide range of scrap metal! Whether you’re clearing out your shed or cleaning up a job site, most metal items can be brought to our facilities for recycling. Here are some common examples:
- Copper
- Aluminum
- Insulated wire
- Radiators
- Stainless steel
- Brass
- Steel
- Household appliances
- Dry vehicles
- Water heaters
For a complete list of accepted materials and prohibited items, visit the What We Buy page.
If you’re unsure whether a material is accepted, the Inland Steel Products team can help identify metals and answer questions before unloading.
Why Choose Inland Steel Products
Inland Steel Products has been serving communities across Western Canada with reliable metal recycling services for over 55 years.
Customers choose Inland Steel Products because we offer:
- Competitive, transparent pricing for all metals
- Clean, organized, and safe facilities in Saskatoon, Regina, Calgary, Edmonton, Swift Current, Lloydminster, Bonnyville, and Medicine Hat
- Friendly, professional staff ready to assist
- Locally owned and operated
- A strong reputation with a 4.5-star rating on Google
RECYCLE YOUR SCRAP METAL FOR CASH
If you have scrap metal you’d like to recycle for cash contact our team today! We are open Monday to Friday and have eight locations across Western Canada with convenient drive-in and drop-off facilities.
