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April 30, 2010
Battery recycling in B.C. expands dramatically in 2010
Posted by Rob Klovance
NOTE: This post has been recently updated with news of an expanded recycling program in B.C.
We are in the golden age of electronics, a time when battery-operated toolsand gadgets crank up the fun and convenience factor. But if you're anything like me, you have household batteries – those ubiquitous double-As and triple-As that power everything from the TV remote to the kid's latest toy – piling up in a drawer somewhere.
The good news is that rechargeable and lead-acid (vehicle) batteries have never been more easy to recycle in B.C. than they are right now. The even better news is that, as of July 1, 2010, options to keep non-rechargeable household batteries out of the landfill have been dramatically expanded.
Before we get into the specifics of battery types and where you can recycle them, I highly recommend following the household batteries advice found on the excellent Thompson-Nicola Regional District's Reuses site:
"Look for solar powered products, or use an AC/DC adapter to avoid the use of batteries. When you do need batteries, rechargeable Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium Ion (Li-ion) and small (weighing less than 2 lbs. or 1 kg) sealed Lead (Pb) batteries can be used many times and will save you money. Rechargeable batteries can also be recycled at participating retailers once they are exhausted."
One thing to keep in mind when buying a battery charger. On average, Energy Star-qualified battery chargers will use 35% less energy than conventional models. Conventional battery chargers – even when not actively charging a product – can draw as much as five to 20 times more energy than is actually stored in the battery. So it's worth ensuring that when you buy a
battery charger or external power adapter, it comes with the Energy Star logo.
Below you'll find brief descriptions and recycling links for various battery types. Use the following anchor links to access each section:
Alkaline and other non-rechargeables
Starting July 1, 2010, Call2Recycle will now recycle any household battery – including alkaline non-rechargeables – via collection at nearly 1,500 locations across B.C. And that should make a significant impact on the number of batteries that wind up in the province’s landfills each year.
Until Call2Recycle expanded its recycling program, there was no provincial program for the recycling of alkaline batteries, which are used in toys, flashlights, watches, clocks, hearing aids and radios.
Alkaline batteries aren't considered a hazardous waste because mercury has been eliminated from the manufacturing of the batteries. However, acid from alkaline batteries can erode protective liners in landfills, creating opportunities for leakage.
Consumers can visit call2recycle.ca and use their Recycling location finder to find the nearest drop-off location in their own communities.
Several private companies in B.C. also accept alkaline batteries, including:
- Best Buy and Future Shop, for free collection by Green Tec;
- IKEA and Mountain Equipment Co-op, for batteries originally purchased at their stores;
- UBC's Special Items Recycling Station (SUB building basement), for UBC students and staff only;
- Battery Direct in Kamloops, (250 374 8441), where fees may apply.
- VancouverBattery, which lists private companies that offer recycling of non-rechargeables for a fee.
- Electronics Recycling Canada, in Surrey, which charges a fee.
Rechargeables
Rechargeable batteries are, thankfully, more available than ever. Where rechargers were once difficult to find, they're now often available as an option in those in-store battery trees, right alongside the 2-, 4- and -12 packs of alkaline batteries they're slowly replacing.
Given that alkaline batteries are estimated to produce only about 2% of the electricity it takes to manufacture them, and that they usually end up in the landfill, the general concensus is that rechargeables are the "greener" choice.
Recyclable rechargeables include rechargeable household ('AA' etc.) batteries, cordless electronic products you plug in to charge, and old cell phones.
Probably the easiest way to track down where to drop off rechargeable batteries for recycling is buy using Call2Recycle's recycling location finder, where you just plug in your postal code. As
a test I inserted a downtown Prince George code and discovered a whopping 19 drop-off locations within eight kilometres.
Many major retailers accept rechargeables, including Battery Plus, BlacksPhotography, Canadian Tire, Home Depot, Home Hardware, London Drugs, Office Depot and Radio Shack.
Are we recycling our rechargeables? Call2Recycling estimates that since launching recycling in 1994, they've diverted 50 million pounds of rechargeable batteries from landfills in North America. They've done that through a network of more than 30,000 dropoff locations.
Lead-acid (vehicle) batteries
Automotive (lead-acid) batteries are recycled as part of a provincially regulated recycling program. While the take-back program is voluntary, retailers are encouraged by the Ministry of Environment to accept at least one used battery in return for each retail battery sold.
There are also several private scrap metal or battery recycling companies that accept or pay for automotive batteries. It's a good idea to contact your local auto battery retailer to ask about their policy.
You can also try the Recycling Council of B.C.'s "Recyclepedia" to track down the nearest
lead-acid battery recycling spot near you. It offers a search tool with a long list of recyclables and locations.
Rob Klovance is managing editor of bchydro.com and a regular Unplug This Blog! contributor.
