County of Simcoe and Call2Recycle collect over 50,000 kilograms of used batteries

The County of Simcoe and Call2Recycle Canada, a Canadian battery collection and recycling organization, say they have reached a significant milestone in battery recycling and sustainable waste management. The County of Simcoe collected over 50,000 kilograms — the equivalent weight of 30 cars — through its Battery Collection Week from November 4 to 7. This is one of the most successful curbside battery collection events in Canada in the 27-year history of the Call2Recycle program.

"The outstanding battery recycling efforts by the County's residents demonstrate our community's strong environmental consciousness," says Basil Clarke, warden of Simcoe County. "On behalf of the County of Simcoe, I could not be more proud of the residents of Simcoe County. This illustrates our dedication to making communities even more responsible, to create a lasting and meaningful environmental impact."

Permanent household hazardous waste depots

Throughout 2024, the County of Simcoe and Call2Recycle worked together to educate the region's over 350,000 residents about the benefits of responsible battery recycling practices. The organizations also made battery recycling more accessible through the County's five permanent Household Hazardous Waste Depots where batteries can be dropped off any time of the year. 

These efforts culminated during the Battery Collection Week curbside initiative, with the publication of educational materials about battery recycling through the distribution of bags for residents to place their batteries directly at the curb during waste collection, which greatly contributed to the success of this impressive recycling accomplishment.

Communities of any size can have a positive impact

Since 2020 the County of Simcoe and Call2Recycle Canada have combined efforts to support the County's sustainability objectives, collecting over 225,000 kilograms of used batteries since the partnership began. Last year, the County was awarded the Leader in Sustainability Award from Call2Recycle for its battery recycling commitment. The County's achievement demonstrates how communities of any size can come together to make a significant positive impact on the environment by keeping batteries out of landfills. Call2Recycle anticipates it will serve as an inspiring example for other Ontario communities looking to adopt similar curbside collection initiatives. 

Recycling batteries is a collective responsibility and an essential part of Canada's effort to reduce its carbon footprint by reusing waste materials. Call2Recycle operates in Ontario as the largest registered battery Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), with almost 3,000 convenient Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! drop-off points in the province easily accessible to over 98 percent of Ontarians. Residents of Simcoe County and all Canadians interested in recycling their used batteries can locate their nearest battery drop-off points at recycleyourbatteries.ca.