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| Study Confirms Need to Improve Consumer Battery Recovery and Recycling |
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News Release Environment Canada Study Confirms Need to Improve Consumer Battery Recovery and Recycling OTTAWA, CANADA, April 5 2007 –Environment Canada today released the Canadian Consumer Battery Baseline Study, which reveals that the annual number of consumer batteries discarded is increasing dramatically, releasing a growing amount of dangerous substances into our land and water. “We are concerned that large amounts of products containing toxic substances are thrown out in our landfills every day” saidthe Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment. “The results of this Study will help Environment Canada challenge the battery industry to improve the recovery and recycling of batteries.” The Study provides the first national estimates of the amount of heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium and lead that are potentially released into the environment through the disposal of batteries. It also suggests that the rate of recycling of rechargeable batteries, which contain toxic substances of concern, is very low. As part of the Chemicals Management Plan launched last December 2006, Canada’s New Government is committed to reducing releases of chemical substances that pose a risk to human health and the environment. Regulations or other measures to manage the risks associated with products containing toxic substances, including batteries which contain mercury, are also being considered. Environment Canada will continue to work with provinces and territories to share information and best practices to assist in their recycling and waste reduction efforts. Canadians can get involved and recycle batteries such as those used in cellular phones, cordless power tools and laptop computers through many participating retailers and municipalities across Canada. For more information on this Study and the recycling of batteries, please visit Environment Canada’s web site at www.ec.gc.ca/nopp/docs/rpt/battery or call our toll free line at 1-800-668-6767. For more information, please contact: Eric Richer Press Secretary Office of the Minister of the Environment (819) 997-1441 Environment Canada Media Relations (819) 934-8008 1-888-908-8008 |
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