The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) has been recognized by Call2Recycle as part of an elite group of Canadian organizations who have set the example for environmental sustainability by helping to steer hazardous waste, specifically batteries, away from landfills.
In 2011, the SCRD collected 1,962 kg in batteries for recycling through the Call2Recycle program.
"Recycling is a necessity if we want to sustain our quality of life," said Dion Whyte, SCRD manager of sustainability services. "Working with organizations like Call2Recycle, the SCRD continues to strive towards expanding our recycling programs in order to offer more options to Sunshine Coast residents."
Call2Recycle is the only free rechargeable battery and cell phone collection program in North America. Since 1996, Call2Recycle has diverted 30 million kg of rechargeable batteries from the solid waste stream and established a network of 30,000 collection sites.
"We need to determine the best options for every community on the Coast - we know one size does not fit all; that's why our partnership with Call2Recycle is so important," added SCRD board chair Garry Nohr. "This partnership is consistent with the SCRD's strategic plan and is part of our commitment to creating a sustainable way of life by working towards zero waste on the Sunshine Coast."
The SCRD collects batteries at the following public drop-off locations: Field Road administration offices, Sechelt Recycling Depot and Pender Harbour and Sechelt landfills.
"Our collection sites receive a complimentary collection kit, complete with educational materials and shipping guidelines," Whyte said. "We ship the full boxes to Call2Recycle and another box is automatically sent to us free of charge, making the collection and distribution of batteries to downstream processors for recycling very straightforward."
For more information on the SCRD's recycling programs, go to www.scrd.ca/Recycling--Garbage, email [email protected], or call 604-885-6806.
- Submitted
