Canadians smash records with nearly six million kilograms of batteries recycled in 2023

According to Call2Recycle, Canadians have diverted over 5.8 million kilograms of used batteries from landfills in 2023. This marks the program's best year yet, surpassing 45 million kilograms of batteries recycled since its inception in 1997.

The 2023 collection results set a new benchmark for battery recycling in Canada, reflecting the growing awareness of the importance of proper disposal. In provinces where battery recycling is mandated, including British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island, Canadians played a pivotal role in driving a strong 32 percent year-over-year increase.

Highlights of 2023 provincial battery collection

• British Columbia achieved 11 percent year-over-year growth with over 954,000 kilograms collected.
• Saskatchewan, also in its third year of program operation, increased its results by 18 percent with over 121,000 kilograms collected and recycled. 
• Manitoba recorded almost 206,000 kilograms collected, a 34 percent year-on-year increase, which contributed to over 1 million kilograms of used batteries diverted since the provincial program launched in 2011. 
• Ontario, in its third year of program operation, achieved double-digit collection growth with an almost 58 percent overall increase year-over-year. 
• Quebec exceeded provincial collection targets again with over 1.8 million kilograms collected and recycled, a 29 percent year-over-year increase.
• Prince Edward Island collected and recycled over 45,000 kilograms, a seven percent increase across the province.

"We are thrilled to see such strong engagement from Canadians in their battery recycling efforts," said Joe Zenobio, president of Call2Recycle Canada. "As we celebrate our most successful year yet, we recognize that this volume of batteries recycled – and the difference it makes for our environment – cannot happen without the commitment of our members, industry stakeholders, collection partners, consumers, and team, whose collective efforts have made this achievement possible. We look forward to continuing to work with all our partners to safely and responsibly collect and recycle even more batteries across Canada, including in new segments such as electric vehicles and electric personal transport, in 2024 and beyond." 

With 92 percent of Canadians living within 15 kilometres of a Call2Recycle drop-off location, participating in the nationwide battery recycling program is convenient. Simply collect, protect, and drop off batteries at over 12,000 locations, including retail stores, municipalities, businesses, schools/universities, and government buildings.