diff --git a/src/components/sidenav/sidenav.js b/src/components/sidenav/sidenav.js
index e6e39614537..1dfdfa9ee4e 100644
--- a/src/components/sidenav/sidenav.js
+++ b/src/components/sidenav/sidenav.js
@@ -249,7 +249,7 @@ function SidenavDirective($mdMedia, $mdUtil, $mdConstant, $mdTheming, $animate,
       sidenavCtrl.destroy();
     });
 
-    scope.$on('$destroy', backdrop.remove.bind(backdrop));
+    scope.$on('$destroy', angular.bind(backdrop, backdrop.remove));
     scope.$watch(isLocked, updateIsLocked);
     scope.$watch('isOpen', updateIsOpen);