Saanich News
May 14, 2008
Coun. Vicki Sanders says the Capital Regional District needs to develop a better battery recycling system to make the process more convenient.
Recycling batteries is too inconvenient, says Saanich Coun. Vicki Sanders.
Only two per cent of household batteries are recycled, meaning 98 per cent are being thrown into the garbage, leaving open the possibility for heavy metals and chemicals to leak into the soil or water systems.
Sanders put forward a recommendation that Saanich council ask the Capital Regional District to provide a more convenient drop-off or pick-up system to make battery recycling more attractive.
“The options for battery disposal aren’t convenient, therefore explaining the large numbers ending up at the Hartland landfill,” Sanders said. “Convenient recycling is obviously the key to success.”
CRD-run Hartland landfill currently operates a battery recycling program. Most batteries that come in are automotive types, made of lead acid. There’s no on-site recycling for household-grade batteries, said manager of operations Tom Watkins, but those batteries are collected and shipped off-site for disposal.
Sanders said she’d like to see a regional movement for battery recycling, with several drop-off or collection sites in each of the 13 municipalities.
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