Call2Recycle Canada launches program in Nova Scotia

Toronto-based battery collection and recycling organization Call2Recycle Canada Inc. has launched its program, “Recycle Your Batteries, Canada!," in Nova Scotia as of July 1.

As the government-approved program, Call2Recycle will operate the province’s household battery recycling initiative under Nova Scotia’s new Solid Waste-Resource Management Regulations.

RELATED: Call2Recycle Canada and District of Squamish launch curbside battery collection

The program’s launch follows the government of Nova Scotia’s implementation of new extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations, which began in August 2023 and require obligated producers to manage the end-of-life batteries sold in the province. This makes Nova Scotia the second Atlantic province to implement comprehensive battery recycling regulations.

“Nova Scotia is committed to environmental protection and fostering sustainable waste management practices,” says Timothy Halman, minister of environment and climate change of Nova Scotia. “Call2Recycle’s battery recycling program directly aligns with these goals, not only by reducing waste but also by contributing to climate change mitigation and promoting a strong circular economy in our province through responsible battery recycling."

Call2Recycle says it has been present in Nova Scotia through a voluntary program since 1999 and has collected and recycled over 770,000 kilograms of batteries in the province over 25 years. As part of its “Recycle Your Batteries, Canada!” program, Call2Recycle will expand its collection network and ramp up public education efforts to raise awareness of the effort.

The new program offers Nova Scotians greater access to recycling options for a wide range of used batteries, including single-use and rechargeable batteries weighing less than 5 kilograms each, as well as e-mobility batteries used in devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters.

“We are excited to introduce Nova Scotians to our ‘Recycle Your Batteries, Canada!’ program,” Call2Recycle Canada President Joe Zenobio says. “Through continued collaboration with the provincial government, our retail and municipal collection partners and local communities, we are committed to providing Nova Scotia with a comprehensive program that responsibly diverts batteries from landfills. Our proven track record in other provinces positions us to significantly contribute to Nova Scotia’s environmental protection and waste reduction goals.”

Residents can participate in the program by collecting and dropping off their used batteries at designated locations across the province, including retailers and municipal depots. Residents can find their nearest drop-off point here, and more information about the program and the approved stewardship plan can be found here.