Charge Up to Recycle! Comes to Nova Scotia

Nova Scotians can now recycle their nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries at no charge. That was the message delivered today by Rechargeable Battery Recycling in Canada, which announced an important new environmental program for recycling used Ni-Cd rechargeable batteries.

"This industry initiative shows that they have the best interests of the environment at heart," said Environment Minister Wayne Adams, who participated in the program announcement at the Canadian Tire store in Cole Harbour. "Any time you have a product that can be reused and recycled, the environment and Nova Scotians come out as winners."

Approximately 200,000 Ni-Cd batteries are purchased annually in Nova Scotia. They are used in cellular and cordless telephones, power tools, camcorders, toys and other battery-operated devices. Ni-Cd batteries can be recharged up to 1,000 times before they must be replaced.

Until now, used Ni-Cd batteries were simply thrown away, ending up in landfills. Now, under program called Charge Up to Recycle!, they will be collected at many retail outlets and safely recycled at a plant in the United States.

Developed and funded by members of the rechargeable power industry, Charge Up to Recycle! is the first nationwide product stewardship program of its kind in Canada. It recycles Ni-Cd rechargeable batteries from households, businesses and public agencies. Managed by Rechargeable Battery Recycling in Canada (RBRC), Charge Up to Recycle! is designed to preserve natural resources and prevent Ni-Cd rechargeable batteries from entering the solid waste stream.

Patterned after a similar program in the United States, the Nova Scotia program will include participation from 72 stores, including Canadian Tire, RadioShack, Zellers and Blacks Photography. Consumers can simply drop their used batteries in recycling containers when they visit a participating store and the Charge Up to Recycle! program collects them for recycling.

There is no charge to the retailer, community or consumer to participate. The Charge Up to Recycle! program includes industry-funded public education campaigns, a toll-free information line, advertising, an interactive website, brochures and in-store materials.

"This program is an example of responsible corporate citizenship," said Mr. Adams. "It shows how government and industry can work together to improve the environment."

The Charge Up to Recycle! program has also involved the co-operation of Environment Canada, Natural Resources Canada and Transport Canada. Nova Scotia is one of the first provinces to join the campaign.

"We are delighted to be able to work with the province of Nova Scotia and our retail partners to make Charge Up to Recycle! happen in Nova Scotia," said Susan Antler, RBRC Canadian program co-ordinator. "It's important that consumers are aware of this program and bring back their used Ni-Cd batteries for recycling."

"Canadian Tire is especially pleased to be a partner in the Charge Up to Recycle! program," said Gail Bebee, director, of environment, health and safety, Canadian Tire Corp. Ltd. "The protection of the environment is one of our key operating principles and we are glad to help support this program through our 430 associate stores across Canada."