Canadians recycling more batteries than ever before

Over 2 million kilograms of batteries diverted from landfills this year through the Call2Recycle Canada program

TORONTO, Nov. 10, 2014 /CNW/ - More and more Canadians understand the importance of recycling their batteries, as proven by Call2Recycle Canada, Inc., Canada's national consumer battery recycling program. Today, the organization announced it reached a milestone, collecting and recycling over 2 million kilograms of batteries across Canada – equal to the weight of six jumbo jets.  This significant achievement illustrates that Canadians not only understand the importance of battery recycling, but are taking action. Canadians have recycled more batteries in the first 10 months of this year than in all of 2013.

"Thanks to the efforts of Canadians who  have committed to do the right thing with their batteries, we all share in celebrating this exciting milestone," said Joe Zenobio, Executive Director, Call2Recycle Canada, Inc. "Working together with our collection partners and the public, we are confident we can continue to advance battery recycling efforts across Canada."

Call2Recycle Canada is the approved battery stewardship program in Quebec, Manitoba and British Columbia, where increased collections have significantly contributed to this national milestone.

These three provinces have already exceeded their total 2013 collections with two months still remaining in the calendar year.

• Quebec has collected over 950,000 kilograms through its network of over 2,000 collection sites.
• British Columbia has collected more than 420,000 kilograms through its network of over 1,600 collection sites.
• Manitoba has collected almost 60,000 kilograms through its network of over 400 collection sites.

With ninety-one per cent of Canadians living within 15 kilometers of a Call2Recycle drop-off location, which accepts both rechargeable and primary batteries, battery recycling has become increasingly easy and convenient. The widespread Call2Recycle network offers over 7,000 collection sites across Canada, which includes national retailers  Best Buy, Canadian Tire,  Future Shop, The Home Depot, Home Hardware, Lowe's, Staples and The Source. The collection network also includes government buildings and municipal depots. Finding a drop-off location is easy - visit the Call2Recycle website to find one close to you: www.call2recycle.ca.

"A number of diverse relationships have been established to help Canadians taking advantage of more recycling options than ever before," said Zenobio. "From municipalities to retailers, having access to convenient drop-off locations will only help increase battery diversion across Canada."

Call2Recycle Canada is funded by battery and battery-powered product manufacturers to manage the safe collection and recycling of batteries. The stewardship organization has a proven track record of delivering environmentally-sound product stewardship for battery recycling and providing a simple process for all those involved – from consumers, collectors and transporters, to sorters and processors.

With over 20 years of insights and industry best practices Call2Recycle Canada helps ensure the maximum amount of batteries are collected and diverted by providing a program that is simple, convenient and effective. Click here to see what happens to batteries once recycled.

About Call2Recycle Canada, Inc. 
Call2Recycle Canada, Inc. is a non-profit organization that collects and recycles batteries at no cost for municipalities, businesses and consumers. Since 1997, Call2Recycle has diverted over 7.5 million kilograms of batteries and cellphones from the solid waste stream and established 7,000 collection sites throughout Canada. A leader in its field, Call2Recycle was built upon a commitment to environmental sustainability and meets or exceeds the most rigorous recycling standards for the safe recycling and management of batteries. Learn more at call2recycle.ca or call 1.888.224.9764.

SOURCE: Call2Recycle

Tia Thomas, Consultant, Environics Communications, [email protected], [phone]; Orysia Boytchuk, Senior Director, Marketing, Call2Recycle Canada, Inc., [email protected], [phone] ext 229