Introduction
Across the province of New Brunswick, a coordinated effort is underway to ensure that batteries—particularly lithium-ion cells—do not end up in landfills or pose environmental risks. Call2Recycle Canada and Product Care Recycling have joined forces, leveraging extensive networks and community partnerships to bolster battery recycling options for residents and businesses. With the launch of innovative programs and the expansion of drop-off points, New Brunswick is setting a standard for responsible battery stewardship in Canada.
Expanding the Recycling Network Across New Brunswick
Since the collaboration began, the recycling partnership has methodically grown its footprint. Key developments include:
- Adding dozens of new drop-off locations in retail outlets, municipal buildings, and service centres.
- Achieving a province-wide network that now spans more than 45 convenient recycling sites.
- Ensuring rural and urban areas alike have easy access to battery disposal solutions.
This strategic expansion means that whether a resident is in Saint John, Fredericton, or a smaller community like Woodstock or Sussex, there’s a nearby spot to bring old rechargeable and single-use batteries for safe handling.
Innovative Curbside Collection Pilot in Edmundston
One of the most forward-looking initiatives is the curbside battery collection trial launched in Edmundston. Rather than relying solely on fixed depots, this model allows residents to:
- Use special collection bags distributed at no cost.
- Deposit spent batteries in those bags as they accumulate.
- Place the sealed bags alongside regular curbside recycling on designated pickup days.
This proof-of-concept not only fosters greater participation by removing travel barriers, but also provides valuable insights on how to integrate battery recycling within existing municipal waste operations. Early feedback indicates strong community uptake, with residents appreciating the convenience.
Stakeholder Collaboration Driving Success
No major environmental program can succeed in isolation. In New Brunswick, the recycling effort is powered by an array of partners, each contributing unique strengths:
- Call2Recycle Canada brings expertise in battery collection, sorting, and end-of-life processing.
- Product Care Recycling coordinates extended producer responsibility (EPR) obligations, ensuring manufacturers help fund collection and recycling.
- Local municipalities and waste haulers integrate battery pickup into existing curbside services.
- Retail chains and community centres volunteer to host drop-off bins and help promote the program.
- Environmental organizations provide outreach, educational materials, and encourage public buy-in.
By aligning objectives—from producers reducing environmental liability to municipal leaders seeking streamlined waste programs—this coalition maximizes impact and minimizes duplication of effort.
Environmental and Community Impact
The benefits of an efficient battery recycling system are multifaceted:
- Reduction of hazardous waste entering landfills, protecting soil and groundwater quality.
- Prevention of fire risks associated with mishandled lithium-ion batteries.
- Recovery of valuable materials such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt for reuse in new products.
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions thanks to closed-loop recycling versus raw material extraction.
- Heightened public awareness about proper disposal methods and environmental stewardship.
Since inception, the program has processed millions of battery units, diverted significant tonnage from disposal streams, and achieved measurable GHG emission reductions equivalent to removing dozens of cars from the road.
Looking Ahead: Future Goals
Encouraged by early successes, Call2Recycle Canada and Product Care Recycling have set ambitious targets for the coming years:
- Doubling the number of battery drop-off locations in New Brunswick to exceed 90 sites by 2025.
- Expanding curbside bag collection pilots into additional municipalities.
- Engaging more small and medium-sized businesses in take-back initiatives.
- Increasing overall battery collection volumes through targeted public education campaigns.
- Exploring partnerships with new retail sectors, such as home improvement and electronics stores.
By building on the pilot’s momentum, the partners aim to make battery recycling as routine as curbside paper and container collection.
How Residents Can Participate
Getting involved is straightforward. Here’s how every household can contribute:
- Locate your nearest drop-off site via the online recycling locator tools.
- Pick up or request curbside collection bags if your municipality participates in the pilot.
- Collect used batteries in a dry, secure container—never mix them with household trash.
- Watch for community events and collection drives hosted by retailers or environmental groups.
- Spread the word among friends, family, and neighbours about the importance of battery recycling.
Small actions by thousands of residents add up to significant environmental gains and cost savings over time.
Conclusion
The partnership between Call2Recycle Canada and Product Care Recycling in New Brunswick offers a blueprint for effective, collaborative battery stewardship. By combining robust drop-off networks, innovative curbside pilots, and cross-sector engagement, the initiative not only safeguards local ecosystems but also recovers valuable resources for future use. As the program scales up, it’s clear that community participation will remain the cornerstone of success. Through continued outreach and the roll-out of convenient collection options, New Brunswickers can look forward to a battery recycling system that is both sustainable and accessible—one household, one business, and one battery at a time.
