Call2Recycle Canada sponsors battery recycling event and contest

Canada’s national consumer battery recycling stewardship organization, Call2Recycle Canada, based in Toronto, celebrates Waste Reduction Week Oct. 19-25, 2015, by calling on Canadians to collect and recycle dead batteries.

“Many Canadians still aren’t sure how to properly dispose of batteries, so they squirrel them away in a cupboard, under the sink, a drawer in a desk, or a plastic bag in the garage,” says Joe Zenobio, executive director of Call2Recycle Canada Inc. “Now is the time to gather them and take them to a drop-off location where they can be safely and properly recycled and given new life.”

Batteries contain recyclable materials including metal alloys and plastics and can be responsibly recycled to create such items as golf clubs, silverware and even new batteries, Call2Recycle Canada states.

The stewardship organization is planning efforts across the country, offering rewards to Canadians who divert the most batteries from landfills, and looking for regional “Waste Aces,” individuals who go above and beyond to responsibly dispose of their waste seriously.

In British Columbia, Call2Recycle has partnered with Science World B.C. Residents are asked to bring used batteries and cellphones to TELUS World of Science from Oct. 19-25. The organization says the largest collector will be declared the “B.C. Waste Ace” and will win a new digital camera. Additional prices to be awarded include Science World B.C. Membership packs and Ultimate Experience Passes, according to Call2Recycle.

In Manitoba, Call2Recycle is working with Winnipeg Public Libraries across the city. The libraries will compete to see which one can motivate their members to collect the most used batteries and cellphones from Oct. 19-25, to earn the title of “Winnipeg Waste Ace.” The winning library will receive a prize the whole community can enjoy. Libraries also compete to be the Display Contest winner by displaying materials that showcase creativity, commitment, core messaging and educational information on the concept of battery recycling.

In Quebec, Call2Recycle has partnered with Jour de la Terre to find a “Quebec Waste Ace” from October 19-25. Residents are encouraged to visit jourdelaterre.org to complete a registration form to enter the contest. Then, they can visit Call2Recycle.ca to find a drop-off location near them, and bring in their used batteries. There’s a daily prize of rechargeable battery packs worth $50 and a grand prize drawing at the end of the contest for a "Quebec Waste Ace" who will receive a digital camera.

In Prince Edward Island, Call2Recycle and Stonepark Intermediate School in Charlottetown are inviting all to participate in a friendly competition to see who can collect the most spent batteries and used cellphones during Waste Reduction Week. The winner will win a prize and the title of “P.E.I. Waste Ace” 2015.

“Recycling used batteries has never been easier. Ninety-one percent of Canadians live within 15 kilometers (9 miles) of a Call2Recycle drop-off location,” says Zenobio.

Call2Recycle Canada Inc. is a nonprofit organization that collects and recycles batteries at no cost for municipalities, businesses and consumers.