Beginning on January 1st, 2021, Saskatchewan residents will be able to dispose of their household batteries in an environmentally responsible manner. Saskatchewan’s new recycling program, operated by Call2Recycle Canada Inc., will provide an option for people to recycle batteries in various parts of the province.

The non-profit environmental stewardship organization that has been voluntarily collecting batteries in Saskatchewan for recycling since 1997, is now set to begin this initiative after meeting all the regulatory requirements of a government-approved program under The Household Hazardous Waste Products Stewardship Regulations, 2019.

“This recycling program is a positive step for the environment and for the people of Saskatchewan,” Environment Minister Warren Kaeding said. “Having a convenient and important program in place to keep batteries and other hazardous materials out of our landfills helps support provincial goals laid out in our Solid Waste Management Strategy.”

Call2Recycle Canada, Inc. President Joe Zenobio extended his thanks to the Saskatchewan government for their commitment to battery recycling, while also explaining how their new program will connect residents with many easily accessible and convenient battery drop-off locations across the province. All residents are encouraged to safely drop off their batteries at their nearest collection location to help create a more sustainable environment for generations to come.

Single-use and rechargeable consumer batteries weighing less than five kilograms each, excluding lead acid batteries, are acceptable within the program. The plan for convenient drop off locations were discussed between the organization, and different municipalities and retailers. All SARCAN depots are acceptable drop-off locations.

SARCAN is excited for the new program, as they will offer 73 collection spots as part of Call2Recycle's national network of battery collection sites. They are ready to help the people of Saskatchewan divert even more hazardous materials from our land and waterways, work that should act to protect our environment for generations to come.

According to the government release as part of the new program, an environmental handling fee will be paid at the point of purchase effective January 1, 2021. The fee rates range, depending on the size of battery and the chemistry type. For example, fees for AAA and AA batteries are $0.02 and $0.04, respectively. Fees will be paid to Call2Recycle for the collection, transportation and recycling of the batteries at their end-of-life.