BCAA's Great Battery Roundup recycling program extended throughout B.C.

BURNABY, BC, June 6, 2012 /CNW/ - In support of Environment Week in Canada, the British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA) is conducting its third annual Great Battery Roundup ® program which collects used automotive batteries and arranges for them to be properly recycled. This year, BCAA is pleased to extend its battery collection program throughout B.C. by partnering with Fountain Tire centres as drop-off locations.

From June 6 to June 19, you're invited to drop off your expired vehicle or marine batteries at any Fountain Tire location throughout the province, at no cost to you. BCAA will also pick up used automotive batteries from homes and offices located within the Lower Mainland free of charge.

Eligible batteries are typically those that power cars, light trucks, campers, motorcycles and small boats. For more details, including drop-off locations and areas eligible for pick-up service, visit bcaa.com/greatbatteryroundup.

Almost all of a battery's components can be reused to manufacture new batteries, making it worthwhile to recycle. BCAA also warns that components of lead-acid batteries are dangerous and encourages you to properly remove used batteries from your home to ensure your safety and the health and safety of your family members and pets.

"Keeping used automotive batteries in yards, garages and basements pose health and safety risks because they can contaminate the soil and groundwater, explode and cause a fire or, become a source of poisoning to humans and animals," says Ken Cousin, BCAA's associate vice-president of Road Assist. "We're extending our collection program throughout B.C. to give even more residents a safe and easy way to clear their homes of hazardous batteries."

Anyone wanting to recycle their batteries should handle them with caution and follow basic safety procedures:

• Wear protective eyewear and gloves.
• Keep batteries upright and transport them in a sturdy box or plastic container.
• Batteries can vent flammable gasses. Do not smoke near batteries or expose them to any source of ignition such as spark or open flames.
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling a battery.

For each battery collected, $5 will go towards the BCAA Road Safety Foundation to support Alexa's Bus; a mobile blood-alcohol testing unit designed and built to help law enforcement take impaired drivers off our roads.

About BCAA

BCAA is one of the most trusted organizations in British Columbia, serving one-in-four B.C. households. With over 790,000 Members, BCAA provides an array of award-winning home, auto and travel insurance products and services, and roadside assistance. Members can also benefit from CAA Dollar rewards, savings on BCAA insurance products and exclusive offers at Show Your Card & Save locations throughout the province. BCAA has a proud history of serving British Columbians for over 105 years, over $400 million in annual sales, 27 locations and over 800 employees. And, BCAA has been named one the 50 Best Employers in Canada by international human resource consultants Aon Hewitt five times in the past six years. To learn more about the benefits of BCAA Membership, visit www.bcaa.com

Editor's notes

For further information, or to request an interview, please contact:

Niela Melanio
BCAA Public Affairs and Media Specialist
Office: 604-268-5342
Cell: 778-228-8859
Email: [email protected]