Simcoe County and Call2Recycle Achieve Record Battery Recycling Milestone

Successful Battery Collection Week Marks Major Milestone
Simcoe County, Ontario, has celebrated a significant achievement in its partnership with Call2Recycle Canada, collecting over 50,000 kilograms of used batteries during the county’s Battery Collection Week from November 4-7. This initiative is recognized as one of the most successful curbside collection events in Call2Recycle’s 27-year history in Canada, reflecting a strong community commitment to environmental sustainability.

Collaborative Efforts Drive Increased Recycling and Awareness
Since 2020, Simcoe County and Call2Recycle have collaborated to promote responsible battery recycling, achieving impressive results, including over 225,000 kg of batteries recycled to date. The program’s success is attributed not only to the logistics of the five permanent household hazardous waste depots, where residents can drop off batteries throughout the year but also to a robust public outreach campaign. Educational materials, such as recycling bags and guides, were distributed to residents, helping them easily recycle batteries during waste collection. These efforts significantly contributed to the event’s success, making it one of the largest of its kind.

Sustainability Focus and Community Engagement
The county’s dedication to sustainability is also reflected in its recognition from Call2Recycle, which awarded Simcoe County the Leader in Sustainability Award in 2023. This acknowledgment highlights the county’s ongoing commitment to reducing waste and promoting environmental responsibility. The participation of over 350,000 residents in the battery recycling initiative underscores the region’s collective environmental consciousness.

Call2Recycle’s Role in Ontario’s Waste Diversion Goals
Call2Recycle operates as the largest registered battery producer responsibility organization (PRO) in Ontario, with nearly 3,000 drop-off points throughout the province. The partnership with Simcoe County exemplifies the effectiveness of local, accessible programs in advancing Ontario’s waste diversion goals. Joe Zenobio, President of Call2Recycle, emphasized the achievement as a significant environmental success, encouraging other municipalities across Ontario to adopt similar curbside collection initiatives to support the province’s broader sustainability objectives.