Call2Recycle, Canada’s leading battery collection and recycling organization, has announced a new partnership with the District of Squamish in British Columbia. This includes launching a series of battery recycling initiatives in the district, including British Columbia’s first curbside collection event, which will begin on June 3.
Squamish residents can conveniently recycle their household batteries (single-use and rechargeable, up to 5 kg each) through Call2Recycle’s “Recycle Your Batteries, Canada!” curbside collection events, to be held on June 3 and November 4.
To participate, residents can gather their old household batteries, place them in clear, sealable plastic bags, and then put them on top of their recycling tote on their regular garbage collection day during the designated weeks. Recycling totes will not be serviced on those dates and will act to identify that the house has batteries to recycle.
GFL Environmental Services, the District’s contracted waste collection service provider and an approved sorting partner of Call2Recycle, will safely pick up and sort the used batteries. The batteries will then be shipped to qualified processors for recycling. Recycling used batteries keeps them out of landfills and enables the recovery of valuable materials for reuse in manufacturing new products, contributing to a robust circular economy.
“This collaboration marks a significant advancement in battery recycling for British Columbia,” said Kristen Romilly, Regional Director Western Canada, Call2Recycle. “We greatly appreciate the District’s environmental leadership and GFL’s commitment, as this successful collaboration and expanded convenient recycling option can be used as a model to assist other municipalities across Canada in reducing battery waste and advancing the circular economy.”
“Squamish is proud to be leading the way by launching the first curbside battery collection program in British Columbia,” said Mayor Hurford. “This initiative ensures responsible battery disposal, protects our environment, and reduces waste-related emissions. By working with Call2Recycle and GFL, we’re not just simplifying battery recycling for our residents, we’re advancing our commitment to waste reduction, a key component of our Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP).”
The partnership between Call2Recycle, the District of Squamish, and GFL Environmental extends beyond curbside collection to include collaborative public education efforts. Residents can expect to see information about the “Recycle Your Batteries, Canada!” program through various channels, including recreation guides and bus stop advertisements. Additionally, the program will be promoted through participation in community events and media engagement, raising awareness about the importance of safe and responsible battery recycling.
