Saskatchewan residents can now recycle consumer batteries at convenient drop-off locations, thanks to a new program.
The program launched as of Jan. 1, 2021. It is operated by Call2Recycle Canada Inc., a non-profit environmental stewardship organization that has been voluntarily collecting batteries in Saskatchewan for recycling since 1997.
“This recycling program is a positive step for the environment and for the people of Saskatchewan,” Environment Minister Warren Kaeding said in a press release. “Having a convenient and important program in place to keep batteries and other hazardous materials out of our landfills helps support provincial goals laid out in our Solid Waste Management Strategy.”
Single-use and rechargeable consumer batteries weighing less than five kilograms each will be accepted. Lead acid batteries are excluded.
In partnership with municipalities and retailers, Call2Recycle has established drop-off locations across the province, including at all SARCAN depots.
“We are excited for SARCAN's 73 collection depots to be a part of Call2Recycle's national network of battery collection sites,” SARC and SARCAN Recycling Executive Director Amy McNeil said. “Our team of over 800 SARCAN recyclers is ready to help the people of Saskatchewan divert even more hazardous materials from our land and waterways, which means protecting our environment for generations to come.”
As part of the new program, an environmental handling fee will be paid at the point of purchase effective Jan. 1, 2021. Fee rates depend on the size of battery and the chemistry type. For example, the fees for AAA and AA batteries are $0.02 and $0.04, respectively.
Fees will be paid to Call2Recycle for the collection, transportation, and recycling of the batteries.
More information is available online at https://www.call2recycle.ca/saskatchewan/.
