I take my used batteries to IKEA, have for a long time now... Posted by: wellwood | Oct 31, 07 07:58 PM

Your story on battery recycling missed an interesting historical anecdote. Almost 20 years ago a TV infomercial apeared (hosted by Dick Clark) selling a device to recharge ordinary alkaline batteries. The private inventor had developed a device with a microchip that would recharge them without overheating or explosion. Within two weeks the infomercial disappeared forever. I wonder who bought the patent and buried it? Ordinary alkaline batteries could be recharged up to ten times, thus reducing garbage batteries tenfold. Posted by: Tom O'Malley | Oct 31, 07 07:58 PM

My dad and i just finished watching your program about battery recycling, and we were wondering why you didn't do the full story? It's great that you have shown people to recycle batteries, but where do they go to be properly disposed of? Why didn't you show the final moments of a battery's life? For all we know you just took the batteries to the local dump and got rid of them in the same way most people do. You have brought attention to an important subject but you have not given the full story that you should have. All we would like to know is where the batteries go after they are collected by you. Posted by: Daniel Blackburn | Oct 31, 07 08:02 PM

Where is the factory that the batteries go to? Do you have an address? Posted by: Linda | Oct 31, 07 08:09 PM

If the battery industry actual pays Susan Attler a dollar, she's overpaid. Erica, excellent job, it was like watching a tiger feeding on raw meat. Keep up the good work. Posted by: alex | Oct 31, 07 08:10 PM

Hopefully as a nation we will take responsibility for all batteries, recycled or not. What about the new energy efficient light bulbs (compact fluorescent),that are replacing incandescent types in most house holds. Do compact fluorescent bulbs contain mercury? Are they being disposed in our land fills when their life is finished? Posted by: Guy Riendeau | Oct 31, 07 09:16 PM

The woman with the recycling program really needs to get her stuff together. 10 years? what has she been doing, if i didn't watch your program, I would have never heard or her program. Posted by: kaitlin | Oct 31, 07 09:58 PM

Some of the comments are a bit harsh. The commenters aren't taking into account the fact that the battery industry has taken steps to make their alkaline batteries safer by eliminating mercury use AND instituted a recycling program for the rechargeables IN THE ABSENCE of any legislation requiring them to take these measures. Parts of the interview were an unwarranted attack on an industry, an organization and its staff that have obviously been trying to do the right thing. If we want to recycle alkalines it will first be necessary to remove any IMPORTED batteries still containing mercury from our marketplace. This can't be done without legislation- so where is that? In fact, here in Canada when alkaline batteries are collected as hazardous waste they are not recycled, they are generally encased in concrete or other material to stabilize them and then put into a landfill anyway. Posted by: Caileigh | Oct 31, 07 10:42 PM

All batteries should be recycled. They are all toxic and contain valuable metals which should be reused. Battery recycling is more important than the recycling of milk containers, which seems to be a pet project in Calgary. The City of Calgary tells us to throw batteries in the household garbage. There are no other facility in this city except the Ikea stores which accept used batteries (one small basket for a city of one million). Thank you for a good and timely program on this subject. Unfortunately we are far behind most European countries Posted by: Gussie | Oct 31, 07 11:04 PM

So, what has the CBC been doing with all the batteries it has consumed over the past ten years? A little bit of introspection would have gone a long way towards mitigating this smug and self-satisfied Marketplace segment. Posted by: Roy Derrick | Oct 31, 07 11:09 PM

Rechargeable batteries can be dangerous. In the eighties we always used rechargeable batteries until the day my daughter was taking the batteries out of the charger for her walkman and the one battery blew up permanently damaging her eye. The doctor that treated her said the acid in a rechargeable battery is the worst type of acid to get in your eye because it is a dry or powdered acid. In my opinion, anyone using rechargeable batteries that go into a charger should use safety glasses when removing them. Posted by: Janet Hamilton | Oct 31, 07 11:22 PM

My Rotary club is attempting to initiate a recycling program for plastics and oil and batteries, in my city of 85,000 people. Your program showed a truck load of batteries going to Colborg, Ont , the only battery recycler in Canada. You stated only rechargables are recylced, so what happened to the vast majority of batteries on that truck? Is it environmentally and economically viable to ship all batteries to Ontario for recycling? We need closer facilities. Asking people to drive out of town to dispose of batteries will not work; examine the fuel and time this requires. Finally, a law forbidding battery disposal will not work. What garbage person will inspect contents of bins when he/she picks them up to empty them? Posted by: stan Fike | Oct 31, 07 11:30 PM

Batteries are nasty stuff. We are a consuming society. We want to throw batteries away. We want the easy stick of the bargain. Recycling is an effort. I have a drawer full of batteries and I am not lazy to recycle them. Batteries that are disposable are cheaply avaliable at the dollar store. Rechargables are more expensive, but I questioned its effectiveness and it does not last as long. Therefore, til then, energy efficient gadgets and appliances should be demanded. Less is more. Posted by: indigo | Nov 1, 07 12:33 AM

While I applaud the intent here, there seem to be a few things missing from your look at battery disposal/recycling in Canada. First off, was a representative of Environment Canada even approached for questioning? A great many assertions were made regarding the government's involvement which seemingly went nowhere. Secondly, where was the comparison between the actual credentials of Susan Antler and Usman Valiente? A quick Google search on Susan reveals positions with numerous composting and recycling groups that work with all levels of government. Mr. Valiente's Google search returned blog articles, displaying no real world experience. Thirdly, where were the objective interviews? In one part of this program, Ms Johnson actively encourages a resident of Port Perry to change her answer regarding the go-to location of battery recycling. While the Port Perry resident intially says "the stores", Ms Johnson actively asks a leading question to get the resident to agree that industry should be held primarily responsible. Fourthly, why did Marketplace not acknowledge that some environmental websites, including www.earth911.org, report that because North American alkaline batteries are mercury and cadmium free, the landfill bans on alkaline batteries have been lifted? Again, this information came from a simple internet search. There are also many other products that consumers are not supposed to throw out, but do. Expired medications, for instance. Does Marketplace advocate holding a company like Pfizer personally responsible for improper disposal of expired drugs? It seems all Marketplace did here was unfairly discredit Ms Antler, who it seems actually does a great deal of good work regarding the environment. Meanwhile, It let government off the hook for playing too passive a role in this issue. It also gave retailers a pass for not actively participating in a program to which they were offered access. Posted by: Liana Kerzner | Nov 1, 07 03:10 AM

1. Unfortunately some devices do not work properly with rechargeable batteries because of a slight variation in voltage. Usually the instruction manual will tell you not to use them. 2. Without a convenient drop off place, ordinary batteries will not be properly disposed off despite any regulations, which are unenforceable. You couldn't pay a garbage collector enough to look through every curbside garbage bag for small batteries. 3. Much the same applies to compact fluorescent bulbs. Yes they do contain mercury it is an essential part of the system. I have phoned my local Council about their disposal and have been told if it's only one or two put them in the regular garbage. Posted by: Clive Holloway | Nov 1, 07 07:46 AM

Coincidentally I recently e-mailed my city councilour on this issue. I suggest a RED Box Program, where twice a year, say the Monday after we change out clocks and refreshed the batteries in our smoke detectors, the City picks up batteries we collected in little red boxes of some kind. If they can pick up our Christmas trees surely they can pick up our batteries too! Posted by: Lydia Lebed | Nov 1, 07 09:35 AM

I am totally offended by the attitude and position the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation spokes person is presenting. But what does one expect from an INDUSTRY PR corporation and an industry that obviously lobbies government representatives? Its time the government created and implemented a battery recycle program across the country, for ALL BATTERIES. And this RBRC should be scrapped. And if this corporation is accessing any kind of Canadian governments funds for any reason, it should be ashamed and the government should cut them off. There is right and wrong and I'm tired of corporate misinformation and efforts to deflect attention from the real issues that they are responsible for that damage our environment and society. Posted by: Keven Kanten | Nov 1, 07 10:15 AM

I am surprised that the blame is being put on the RBRC for the recycling effort which is lacking by the consumers of the batteries. In modern society where so much is done on the internet, if consumers were really concerned about the effect of batteries on the environment, they could easily find out how and where to recycle/dispose of them. Environmental awareness is always a battle, and I applaud Susan Antler and the RBRC's efforts to tackle yet another environmental issue (only one of many of Ms. Antler's environmental efforts). Why attack the one group trying to make a difference? Talk to your government officials, talk to battery retailers, step up to the plate and quit placing the blame. And shame on those retailers who took down their battery recycling posters, and hide their battery collection boxes under the counter. They have only slowed down the efforts of the RBRC. As for Ms. Johnson, why is it necessary, and what makes it fair for you to ask a RECHARGEABLE battery recycling group about toxicity and safety concerns pertaining to NON-rechargeable batteries? Posted by: Haley McKinnon | Nov 1, 07 10:45 AM

Your programme raises several questions: 1. When were the townsfolk cheering when they brought out thousands of used batteries? When did you give them a plaque? Shouldn't they be ashamed of having used so many batteries in the first place? 2. Why are you accusing Susan Antler of not getting the word out? It's the media's job to do that. CBC should donate advertising time to them. No, CBC wants thousands per second of ad time. 3. Wouldn't the recycling program be large enough for your critics if there were a recycling levy, say $1 per battery? But then people would be whining, not cheering, about battery recycling. 4. Why don't you point out the real culprit here? It's people's excessive use of batteries, not the battery manufacturers? If people don't use so much batteries, there would not be a mountain of used batteries. 5. Why is that example household using 51 battery-powered items? Most of those devices has AC alternatives. Besides, there is always the choice of not having electricity-powered gadgets. 6. Why is your reporter using a battery-powered mic? Wired mic existed all along. Posted by: Raymond | Nov 1, 07 04:10 PM

While the intent of the article is clear, your approach is very irresponsible. You chose simply to vilify a spokesperson for the RBRC with very little investigation. Look up Susan Antler and the work she has done promoting waste reduction and recycling. You will find that her commitment to the environment is secure. But where are the provincial and federal governments to help the RBRC improve their numbers? Where is the rest of Canada? Rather than support the industry, the feds simply published a report without any offer of support. You showed Susan in a store, collecting small pieces of materials(batteries), while surrounded by other, much heavier products all over the store. Where are the industry programs to reuse and recycle them? Here is an industry struggling to make this program work but you simply want to lop off the head of a person trying to make it happen, while every other manufacturer does nothing. The real issue is that this is one program offered free, but we aren't using it. We need more government legislation requiring companies to report their sales and recovery rates. We need business retailers to jump on board and make it happen. And yes, the province of Ontario designated batteries as hazardous waste. But where is the program they promised? Where are the other provincial programs? How long do we have to wait? Your answer to this was to call your municipality. Municipalities don't manufacture these products, yet you think they should recycle these products. Next time, dig deeper into the real issues with waste generation and lack of accountability. If we helped the RBRC, perhaps their recovery rates would be better. Posted by: Barry Friesen | Nov 1, 07 05:40 PM

Hi I have watched your show over the years and the one thing I see missing is that you take one city or one area and do a segment on that area. I live in Moncton New Brunswick and we have a couple of companies right in town that we can take our old batteries of any type and they are sent away for recycling. So since you repesent CANADA do a show covering all area's of Canada, before you state certain facts. Or when you do state facts mention that this is only for this city and that the show was taped on this date and that things may have changed. Check with your other CBC outlets and see what they do with there batteries, talk to the PM and other leaders even David Suzuki what he does with his old batteries. Please do a follow up to this show and inform us of more facts. Posted by: Rick | Nov 1, 07 06:51 PM

Hi everybody. Thanks for your comments. Roy asked above what we do with our own batteries. The CBC Broadcast Centre follows Ontario regulations for the disposal of commercial hazardous waste. We have battery collection bins placed throughout the building, and collect about four 45 gallon drums of batteries a year. The CBC then pays an environmental disposal company to collect and separate the rechargeable from the non-rechargeable batteries. The rechargeables are sent to a recycling plant and the non-rechargeable batteries are sent to a hazardous waste facility. Thanks for watching! --Bret Posted by: Bret | Nov 1, 07 08:14 PM

I just finished watching the program about the amount of batteries that are ending up sitting in homes or put into landfills. It was shocking to think about the impact they could have on the environment. The battery recycle program: welll this is the first that i have ever heard of it! And for only rechargable batteries... obviously this program is severely misguided and mismanged. Sounds like a big waste of time if it is not addressing the real battery disposal problem. Perhaps this exposure will get the government into action, or even better, more voters into action to recycle ALL batteries. Posted by: Tonya R | Nov 1, 07 09:33 PM

Come on folks: Google RBRC, what's the first thing it says about it - "Non-profit organization which promotes recycling of nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) rechargeable batteries." Please note the NON PROFIT part. Do you think the Canadian Government REALLY supports Non profits? If they were supporting this program, don't you think the program would already be more successful? The Federal Government obviously doesn't support the program because it doesn't result in a profit... At least there is a program that exists that will take rechargeables, whether it is a large amount of the waste stream or not. Keven Kanten - the government can't scrap this program because they don't fund it, it is NON profit and doing the best it can. Posted by: Alexa | Nov 2, 07 10:35 AM

I think some people are missing the point! The media just did a good job of letting us know about recycling batteries. Industry should be responsible - they make the items that take the batteries, and they make the batteries - they should be better corporate citizens. Corporations are only out to make money - they don't care what they have to do to make it! Posted by: Kerri | Nov 2, 07 11:17 AM

CBC marketplace I'm disappointed in you. You tried hard to make this program look bad, but at least it exists even if its not well known. But thanks for spreading the word about them, now I'm going to use the program! Why don't you investigate what the government does to tackle this problem... at least they're trying to deal with it and do something. Why doesn't Ontario have somewhere where they can be dropped off and recycled?? As someone mentioned earlier in this stream, NB has some places, QC has Eco-centers where they collect hazardous wastes such as paint/oil and BATTERIES, why isn't Ontario (since they've deemed the batteries hazardous) implementing any program to deal with these non rechargeables ? I'm disappointed because you made it look like it's Antler's fault that Canada isn't recycling enough batteries. She's only one person and we each can only do so much. Posted by: Tom | Nov 2, 07 12:54 PM

In response to Bret, so CBC would rather pay to have their rechargeable batteries recycled than to use a free existing program? Is CBC so lazy that they can not separate their rechargeables from their alkalines? No questioning of Environment Canada? How more one sided can you be? The RBRC is a VOLUNTARY program. Hey folks, industry actually stepped up to the plate! After this report, how many industries would want to even try to create their own corporate stewardship? Can you imagine asking Coke or Pepsi to collect and recycle all their pop cans? RBRC can get the word out, can promote its program but it is up to all you us to let them know, that a site is not participating or that there should be some signage. Call RBRC and ask for some, they have it! I did. It's just another misleading piece of info Marketplace did not investigate properly. Susan Antler was cornered into a "Frankenbiting" frenzy by Erica and crew. Ethics? Research? I guess not. Just go for the best shot and ethics be damned. Posted by: Hollis | Nov 2, 07 12:58 PM

As I was watching this program on battery recycling I had a few serious concerns with the way the Battery Industry was portrayed. Recycling of used batteries is a serious concern and should be dealt with. The problem I had is the way the host, Erica exploited an obviously unprepared Susan Attler. We should not vilify the industry for setting up a voluntary free recycling program. We do not vilify the lumber companies for not recycling the waste wood consumers discard, we do not vilify the auto industry for not recycling the old vehicles that consumers discard after their useful life span. Normally other companies find an economic benefit and handle the recycling. Susan was obviously not prepared or not capable of telling the whole story of the Battery Industries program. She was on the defensive the whole time. Erica sensed this and exploited her inabilities and ultimately made the Battery Industry look like the villain. Sensible rules need to be written to handle this problem and ultimately it is us, the consumer who have to pay. The problem with this as soon as there is a cost to this from the North American Battery companies, we will complain and purchase cheaper off shore products in which will not have to comply with an environmental recycling cost. Hense sensible rules for everyone. The CBC's investigation of a very serious subject ultimately portrayed the whole industry as cruel and money hungry and doing little based upon one person's character on camera. Shame. I applaud one poster's comments "what does the CBC do with their batteries?" Posted by: Scott Wilson, Mayor Municipality of Bristol | Nov 3, 07 12:01 PM

1. I commend you for you program bringing this subject to national public attention. 2. It causes one to reflect that our political leadership does not! 3. When your collection of the batteries exceeded certain weights where was the Dangerous Goods Warning Placards on the pick up truck? I did not see them! I would have expected to see the #9 like this: http://esao.on.ca/downloads/classification_symbols/transport/jpegs/misc_9_1_2.jpg Posted by: James R. McGillawee | Nov 3, 07 04:33 PM

I just saw the segment on recycling old batteries I ..think that Canadians given a chance would recycle everything if we could. If we don't want to take a leadership role on the Kyoto accord we could try to become the world leaders in recycling. I am glad Marketplace brought this topic up for discussion. I feel sorry for Susan Antler for having to defend her recycling program after 10 years while everybody else did nothing. Posted by: Walter Stayanovich | Nov 3, 07 04:42 PM

My Physics class and I started this school project at the beginning of this year. We researched a lot of information about batteries on how our lives and everything around us is affected by these being thrown out into the garbage. Right now, we're implementing boxes to collect the used batteries throughout the school and trying to persuade other students to recycle them. Hopefully, my high school will be able to continue this project even outside the school area. Posted by: Dominik C. | Nov 3, 07 08:17 PM

We have recently gotten battery recycling programs in our area (northwestern New Brunswick). Since then, I have been recycling my batteries, both rechargeable and regular batteries. I also recycle a lot of other household products, such as ink cartridges, paper, plastic, glass jars, food cans, and beverage containers. But, most of the people I know do not recycle, except for beverage containers, which they get reimbursed for. I also use rechargeable batteries in several devices, especially ones that go through a lot of batteries fast, such as digital cameras. Rechargeable batteries have come a long way since the first Ni-Cads came out in the 1980's. They are much more effective now, and the chargers are also better and safer. Devices that can go for longer with a battery should use regular ones, such as smoke alarms, as rechargeables usually don't last too long. This should also have been mentioned in your show, how to properly chose battery type. I certainly would have been interested to learn more about what happens to regular batteries, if they are really recycled, or just "safely" put in landfills. Posted by: Norma Plourde | Nov 3, 07 08:22 PM

Thanks for your piece on rechargeable/non-rechargeable batteries. It would have been nice to hear some government representative about the issue though. It would have been nice to tell your viewers where all those batteries collected end up and how they are recycled. I commend you for encouraging your viewers to use rechargeables. However, no mention was made of the fact that THE ONLY RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES ON THE MARKET ARE "AA" AND "AAA" TYPES. What about all the other types? Why hasn't the industry come up with their rechargeable versions yet? Please correct me if I am wrong. Posted by: Emanuel Freitas | Nov 3, 07 09:03 PM

I was only able to watch the last portion of your program on batteries, however there didn't seem to be any mention of The City of Edmonton, where we have Eco Stations where people can drop off things like household and automotive batteries, paints, solvents etc. We also have a successful recycling program with curb side pick up for items like newspapers cardboard, plastics etc. Maybe Edmonton Eco Stations were mentioned earlier, in the program, however if they weren't, I feel it would have been an important part of the story. Some recognition should be given to a city which has programs to try to deal with the problems, which is a large step in the right direction. Posted by: Ron Jacobs | Nov 4, 07 12:35 AM

I just finished watching your program on battery recycling. While I agree completely that batteries should be recycled, and while I applaud Marketplace for bringing the problem to the attention of the public, I think you've targeted the wrong villain, as some of the already-posted comments seem to suggest. I worked in two places that had the voluntary rechargable battery recycling program. The problem isn't the program - it is fairly easy to comply with and potentially could work well. The problem is that the box takes up too much precious retailer counter space, and posters for recycling take away from advertising sales within the store. The program, at least in Saskatchewan, does not add value and does not bring customers into the store. So, from a business perspective, it's not typically in the retailer's interest to recycle batteries. Perhaps this will change as consumers demand more recycling programming at the store level (if it's expected, a retailer would have to do it to properly compete). While the battery industry makes money off batteries, so, too, do retailers who add 50-60% markup. I think it's curious Marketplace would vilify the battery industry without considering the inherent implementation problems. I was disappointed in Marketplace's approach, because it seemed a bit like Marketplace glossed over the reality of the situation to create controversy. The problem of recycling is just not that simple. I can also say that as a battery user, I am just as much to blame - I know I can recycle my batteries, but for the 10-12 non-rechargeables I go through in a year, it just isn't worth the time and effort to take the batteries to an appropriate recycling depot. I have always believed that recycling is a municipal issue - since recycling impacts at the local level, that is where the solution should come from. I would a lot recycle more if I could just give it to the city and say "here, deal with this", like I do with my garbage. Posted by: Lee | Nov 4, 07 12:46 PM

Collecting a large number of batteries and throwing them into a pile can cause an explosion. If there is a little charge left in each battery and through random assortment, a loop can be arranged that completes a circuit ( technically a short circuit), the batteries that are in that loop (circuit) can overheat and explode. This is why there is a warning on the battery not to short circuit the terminals. A short circuit is a misnomer and is not really about length, it just means there is no resistor in the circuit between the positive and negative terminals of a DC power source. Posted by: Larry Faseruk | Nov 4, 07 12:48 PM

It appears that the RBRC or The Canadian Household Battery Association got caught with their pants down. I agree that even though governments support programs, individual NON Profit agencies who promote their own services should be responsible for themselves. How many NON Profit organizations get government support? Do you know what the current RBRC slush fund holds? Why is the Canadian Household Battery Association representative speaking on behalf of the RBRC anyways, then she states that Alkaline batteries can go to landfill. Not a smart comment when landfills in Toronto are closed and garbage is being shipped to Michigan. Does Mrs. Antler want to be held legally responsible for approving the illegal shipments of hazardous waste across USA / CANADA International borders. I think Environment Canada and the USEPA may have something to say about it. Also, landfills in the Niagara Region as well as many other regions in Ontario and Canada are rapidly closing in the next few years. Perhaps Mrs. Antler should consider not insulting Canadians again, and consider consumer and producer responsibility, ethics and morals, as all Canadians are leading major environmental movements internally and internationally. The first environmentally Friendly battery manufacturer will most likely capture a great deal of business and Positive public opinion. Just look at IKEA! Posted by: Richard | Nov 4, 07 12:58 PM

We have a bagful that we are saving until we find the proper way and place to dispose of them. Hopefully this show will make more people aware of this serious situation, and everyone will make our world a better, healthier, and safer place. We all need to be more aware of how to take better care of our planet before it's too late. Posted by: N. Kuklinski | Nov 4, 07 02:35 PM

I agree with a lot of the posters. What happened to that truckful of batteries we saw driven down the road, presumably to the dump? I think it is very easy to condemn, but I didn't hear any constructive ideas from Erica. To suggest that the battery industry should recycle (and pass on the cost to guess who - you and me) is not the answer. Everyone who sells batteries would have to be accountable. What happens to those recycle taxes we pay for when we batteries? Of course we know -they go into the government coffers, and not towards recycling, don't they? We, in Manitoba, have a 2 cents per can recycling charge on every can of product we purchase, yet there is no refund available, because we have no recycling depots. Where do all those dollars go to? The whole 'green' industry needs examining, because I feel it is one big scam and someone is getting rich on it. Posted by: Bill Kushniryk | Nov 4, 07 02:41 PM

After watching your show on battery recycling (or lack thereof), I feel your effort to highlight the problem to be a good thing. On the other hand, trying to pin the problem on Ms. Antler or the RBRC is not fully justified. Although this woman may not be very effective in her job (not matter how hard she works), the main problem to me is that manufacturers of batteries aren't going to take any measures to improve the safety of their products, nor improve on methods to recycle these dangerous products until the government puts some real teeth into their legislation to demand a REAL recycling program. Currently, I have about 50 small, dead lead acid batteries in my garage which are used with uninterruptable power supplies (U.P.S.) for computers systems. The company I work for had no desire to find out how to recycle these batteries, so I took them home. The usual places that take dead batteries back don't want them because they weigh over 2 lbs. each. I am hanging onto these batteries until I can find a suitable place that will recycle them. I also own a "Buddy-L" alkaline recharger that I bought many years ago from Canadian Tire. It was on sale for about half price at the time. I still have batteries in use that I've bought from 1992! Ultimately, it is up to the people to demand a safer, longer-lasting battery. We also need to put pressure on our governments to find a means to safely and conveniently dispose of these products. The thing is... there are so many dangerous items that we dispose of routinely these days. Look at the number of computer CRT's and televisions that are being replaced daily with modern flat-screen monitors and high-def TVs!!! Batteries probably aren't that big a deal compared to other products we dispose of. Humans are such wasteful creatures. Until we're buried knee-deep in our junk, nothing much will be done about it, in my opinion. Posted by: Norm Meunier | Nov 4, 07 02:43 PM

Here's a novel idea! Why not make the battery manufacturers responsible for recycling their product by offering a deposit to consumers on returned batteries. It works in every other business. Actually, some companies already do this. Why didn't Market Place investigate the feasibility of this or know that some battery manufacturers in conjunction with some resellers have already taken on this task. I suspect though that Erica Johnson and Market Place are really looking for another sensationalistic story. Instead of actually researching all those who should be responsible for recycling, with practical solutions…usually those who make the profit, Johnson chose to attack an in-between in a demeanor becoming only to adolescents. This type of ambush journalism is far below any acceptable code of standards. Market Place is a joke and CBC should be ashamed. I noted at the conclusion of the program, that the Q-Ray is next under attack by the Market Place not-so-comedic team. Does anybody with a cogent thought in his or her head really believe the Q-Ray is anything but a scam? I suspect this says more for the demographic that actually watches the show, now. This is the second time in a month I've watched Market Place disgrace their journalistic mandate. It is the last. Posted by: Brian Mitchell | Nov 4, 07 02:49 PM

Another aspect of recycling that is not usually considered is the reuse or extension of the use of these alkaline batteries. Often they are discarded with charge remaining in them that can be used in other applications. Over 65% of the discarded batteries investigated by LSC have been found to have enough remaining charge in them to operate small LED flashlights for tens or even hundreds of hours. It would be environmentally responsible if thse batteries were used to their fullest before discarding and recycling. There are a couple of articles discussing this that can be found on the internet at http://www.lightingsciences.ca/pdf/DISBALED.PDF and at http://lightingsciences.ca/html/alkaline.html Posted by: Dr. K. Frank Lin | Nov 5, 07 09:40 AM

I don't believe the RBRC is to blame. They have a national program in place, for which they should be commended, and most people don't take advantage of it. As for Susan Antler, I know very few people with as much integrity as her. Over the years, she as accomplished tremendous things for the environment throughout Canada. Posted by: Jean A. Bourque | Nov 6, 07 09:32 AM

I just contact our local hazardous waste depot, I asked what they did with the batteries- the response was recycle the automotive and rechargable - The drycell batteries are disposed of in a secure hazardous waste landfill. Posted by: Kerri | Nov 6, 07 03:34 PM

Many of you have inquired about what happened to the batteries collected by Port Perry and the surrounding Township of Scugog. All 29,455 batteries were sent to Raw Material Company, a metal recycler in Port Colborne, Ontario. At this site the batteries were processed so the materials can be re-used in the production of steel. Thanks again, Bret Posted by: Bret | Nov 7, 07 09:44 AM

I sent the link to your web page to everyone in my address book and encourage everyone else to do so. It really is a shame many of us have been doing this for years. Many of us as kids were never really educated on the disposal of used batteries. I recommend and wish a copy of the show could be sent to every school and would hope all the kids that see it will now know what to do with them. Kids have a way to motivate - parents will listen and want to be good role models for their kids. Christmas is coming so that will mean tons and tons of battery purchases, I just hope all those people will know what to do with them when they're finished. Posted by: Rob Cranston | Nov 8, 07 07:33 PM

One problem I face is that I only have about 2 to 4 worn out batteries every 3 months or so. I'm not going to drive several kilometers to a special hazardous waste collection center for such a small amount. What we need are smaller collection centers through out our cities which are easily accessible. A big container perhaps. Once it's full, have a truck pick it up and replace it with an empty container. Posted by: Martin | Nov 8, 07 10:20 PM

Interesting. I did not know that recycling batteries is such a problem in Canada. In Kelowna, BC we have three or four locations in the city of about 100,000 to drop off our batteries. While I thought that more spots should exist to make it easier, it seems that we are leaders in recycling availability. You can find out about where to recycle from city hall or in the calendar with other recycling information they send out every year. Posted by: Mark | Nov 14, 07 07:35 PM

I am an electronics engineer by trade & have worked in many industry sectors for the thick end of 24 years. When I was in college in the UK, one of the research projects which I got top marks for (97% grade - top of year for the subject) was a study into charging techniques & practicalities for the various "disposable" batteries. My root finding was that almost all single cell batteries (AAA,AA,C,D,N etc) were rechargable up to 8 times depending on the chemical technology, construction & manufacturer. In all cases these SINGLE CELL types are constructed in such a way as to be completely safe using the correct method. Multiple cell "Batteries" such as PP3 although chargeable, were not completely safe because the methods used to construct the cell array may allow a build up of pressure & low impact explosive venting under certain circumstances. I designed a simple charger & I have been using it on & off ever since then. Posted by: Dave Brewer (Brit ex-pat) | Nov 14, 07 08:38 PM

1. Make it a legal requirement for any retailer who sells batteries to provide a registered recycling box which is returned to the battery wholesaler in a pre paid package paid for by the battery manufacturers. 2. Make it law to provide a pre paid envelope paid for by the battery manufacturer with every new rechargeable battery. 3. Stop batter manufacturers making false claims about being not rechargeable / dangerous to recharge on alkaline cells. Single cells are rechargeable by the consumer up to 8 times using a special charger. There is no danger but if everyone recharged a cell one time before disposal the battery manufacturers would see their profits drop by 50% - this is why they lie to the public! Posted by: Dave B (Brit ex-pat) | Nov 14, 07 10:20 PM

Why do so many of you think that the creation of the RBRC was 'voluntary'? It was/is a sham program set up by the battery industry in response to the government questioning battery recycling/disposal practices. It was only a matter of time before the government would be forced to install policies and legislation regarding the proper handling of used batteries. The industry merely made a first move and implemented the RBRC to beat out policies and legislation that would have otherwise controlled the recycling/disposal aspect of the industry. It was a PR move that could have gone well, had they actually put more thought and efficiency into the program. Unfortunately it has not gone this route, and we are left with a sham program, and the same problems that we had to start out with. There is no one side to blame solely. We are all part of the problem, and we all have to be part of the solution. We have to use rechargeables whenever/wherever possible. We have to decrease our consumption of batteries period. RBRC needs to work on their communication plans and get their core messages etc straight (and heard). The industries need to start accepting all batteries (including alkalines) for recycling and disposal (apparently there are ways to safely reuse and/or extract the harmful metals for proper disposal) and governments need to step in and regulate. Finally, we all must demand transparency and accountability from all parties involved. That would be a start:) It sounds like a lot, but its not really, because it would have everyone working together! Posted by: Lisa Leung | Nov 26, 07 12:20 PM

After they are collected where do they go? To the recyclers, then out the back door into land fill. What do they do with the chemicals and metals they contain? You never told the whole story. I guess you don't want to go there. Posted by: Dave S. | Nov 29, 07 09:26 AM

It is unfortunate batteries are not up front in consumers' minds to recycle. My college recently began-though on a small scale-a recycling initiative in the form of a drop-box at our book store. My contribution was a coffee-container-full of batteries retrieved from bus shelters around London, gathered in a surprisingly short time. Students seem to be the biggest culprits, haphazardly disposing AA and AAA batteries from their headsets and various electronic devices. Posted by: Ron Prouse | Dec 15, 07 08:12 PM

I missed the program, but I'd like to add that our condominium building of 124 units, collects used batteries. I started this in July 2006 by putting a blue bucket beside our blue boxes for paper, glass etc. Since that date we have collected 3,309 old batteries. Every month I count them and take them to Miller Waste Recycling in Pickering, about a 5 minute drive from our condo. It's not a big deal, it just takes someone who is interested in doing the collecting, and the residents who want to participate. The amount collected each month goes into our Newsletter. Posted by: Diane Matheson | Dec 22, 07 08:08 PM

Amazing that a country like Canada would have such a problem. In a small country like Malta, you have a small container where people may deposit batteries - the Ministry for the Environment periodically empties the container. Why not here? Why not place a container at Mall entrances? Mall owners don't have to worry about damage to property. Posted by: JC Sullivan | Dec 23, 07 02:29 PM

Your report answered a question I have had for a very long time now, where to dispose of batteries. I have been storing mine in my garage, knowing that there is proper way to dispose of it, but not knowing where. After 10 years it is evident that the RBRC is not concerned with the environmental impact. The Canadian government has to step in again but with a watch dog this time. Posted by: Wazir Samsair | Dec 28, 07 01:45 PM

Why not offer a recycling fee similar to that once offered for bottles and cans? This fee could be added to the cost of the battery at purchase. At the end of the year, consumers would receive cash back when the batteries are brought in for recycling. A whole new cottage industry would spring up to ensure that no battery ends up in a landfill. Posted by: Howard Sharpe | Dec 28, 07 03:21 PM

The woman in this program in my opinion is the problem. She really has missed her calling and should be a politician. I found her to be completely frustrating and instead of trying to find a way to make this program work so that the public would be aware and have access to it, she was busy defending herself for a job that was very poorly done at best. Posted by: laurelie campeau | Jan 5, 08 08:32 PM

Tom O'Malley -- those alkaline battery rechargers were taken off the market because they didn't really work. Alexa -- A "non-profit" corporation makes plenty of profit. It is paid to the corporate officers as salaries and bonuses instead of listed on the books as profit. The RBRC was created by the battery companies to stall government initiatives to mandate recycling. When I took my batteries to the drop-off centers near me, I found that in many cases neither the clerks nor the managers had ever heard of the RBRC, nor did they know what to do with the batteries. The RBRC might very well do what it claims to do, but has anyone really checked that your local drop-off center doesn't just drop them in the trash? Posted by: John Macossay | Jan 7, 08 11:32 AM

While it is nice for a province to make cities responsible to collect batteries, by calling them toxic, the enviro committees for each city should be getting the Canadian Tires and Home Depots to have big displays for collecting batteries.This is where we buy them. Canadian tire should offer a small reward for each battery returned so kids have an incentive to collect(maybe get Cdn tire money in exchange). Kids can save up for those skates. Posted by: jan ng | Feb 14, 08 12:57 PM

I have 4 kids from 11 to 2 years old collecting new toys all year round. Fed up with feeding them with batteries, I refuse to buy non-rechargeable batteries for one year and two months so far. It is initially expensive but I feel much better knowing that I am doing my part. Perhaps a similar action could be supported by your program. Posted by: Phaseal Freckleton | Feb 23, 08 01:47 AM

I am wondering?With all the tech people available out there and this is a great idea, but is it not possible that a solution chemical or otherwise be used to restore the battery back to its workable state and then re-use it?Or am I just a wacko for asking such a silly question?I mean is it possible?As batteries (marine batteries, I go thru them often...cost me roughly $85.00 a piece at Wal-mart) I am No fond shopper of Walmart products but they are the cheapest. I am simply wondering if there isn't a chemical compound you can buy that would restore them internally and thus, keep on, keeping on! Thanks Anyone! Posted by: Carlos Gomez | May 3, 08 03:42 AM

Hello, I used to live in Belgium where there was law telling citizens what to do with batteries. Not only rechargeable ones, but all batteries. Why isn't it possible to do it in Canada? have a look at this link (french or dutch): http://www.bebat.be/pages/fr/main.html Solutions exist why not copy them when they are good ones Posted by: Frederic | Jun 24, 08 10:23 AM