Call2Recycle Canada Launches Battery-Powered Product Recycling Program in Quebec

en.Wedoany.com Reported - Toronto-based Call2Recycle Canada has launched a collection and recycling program for new battery-powered products in Quebec, complementing its "Recycle Your Batteries, Canada!" campaign, aimed at safely collecting and managing end-of-life battery-powered products.

The organization stated that the new initiative addresses growing environmental and safety challenges in the province—an increasing number of everyday consumer goods (including toys, personal care devices, smoke detectors, tools, e-cigarettes, e-bikes, and mobility devices) contain built-in or removable batteries that require specialized handling and recycling processes at end of life. Call2Recycle noted that as battery-powered products become more prevalent, the market urgently needs safe, convenient, and battery-focused end-of-life solutions.

Call2Recycle has been operating battery collection and recycling in Quebec since 2011, establishing stable partnerships with municipalities, eco-centers, retailers, government stakeholders, and environmental organizations across the province.

Joe Zenobio, President and CEO of Call2Recycle Canada, said: "Battery-powered products are first and foremost a battery management challenge. As batteries become more deeply integrated into products used daily by Quebecers, safely collecting and handling these products requires expertise. Call2Recycle has spent over a decade building infrastructure, safety protocols, partnerships, and trust across Quebec to responsibly manage batteries. This new program is a natural extension of that leadership."

The program builds on Call2Recycle's long-standing battery recycling activities in Quebec, as well as the organization's experience managing battery-powered products in the province through pilot projects and dedicated collection programs.

Call2Recycle stated that the initiative supports Quebec's environmental goals and responds to regulatory amendments introduced in 2022. These amendments bring certain battery-powered products with built-in batteries (including e-cigarette devices, personal care products, smoke detectors, etc.) under extended producer responsibility (EPR) requirements. The organization aims to ensure collection and recycling solutions for the batteries in these products.

To simplify the recycling process for residents and improve recovery rates, the program will accept battery-powered products with built-in batteries and those with removable batteries.

Call2Recycle said it works with local partners in Quebec who will support collection infrastructure, logistics, sorting, and processing activities across the province.

Zenobio stated: "Quebec has developed a strong ecosystem of collection, sorting, and recycling professionals, and we are proud to build this program with trusted local partners. The network and operational experience we have established in the province allow us to quickly deploy safe and effective solutions while supporting Quebec's circular economy and local infrastructure."

Collection services will be available through participating eco-centers across the province.

Call2Recycle noted that battery-powered products, if improperly managed—especially when involving damaged lithium-ion batteries—can pose significant safety risks. Collecting intact products helps ensure that batteries are safely identified, recycled, and processed through qualified downstream partners using proven battery management practices.

The program aims to improve public access to safe recycling solutions, reduce battery-related fire risks, support producers' environmental obligations, increase battery recycling rates, and advance Quebec's circular economy goals.