Get set for the 8th annual Household Battery Competition

Nipissing Environmental Watch
& Greater Nipissing Stewardship Council
News Release

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Sometimes, it seems like everything uses batteries today. Batteries power up our cell phones, cameras, radios, remote controls, toys, and flashlights. But what should we do with all of the dead batteries? We really shouldn’t be put them into the garbage. Batteries are full of nasty chemicals and acid. We can’t put them into the blue box. It is a dilemma for most people, but not for the residents of the North Bay and vicinity. They have an easy solution.

There are over 6,300 high school students who are eager and willing to take their batteries. Students are competing in our eighth annual Used Household Battery Collection Competition.

Eleven high schools are competing for two $400 prizes. One $400 prize will be awarded to the school that collects the most batteries. A second $400 will be awarded to the school that collects the most batteries per student.

The participating high schools are Algonquin, Almaguin Highlands, Chippewa, F. J. McElligott, Franco-Cite, Nbisiing Secondary School, Northern, Odyssée, St. Joseph – Scollard Hall, West Ferris, and Widdifield.

Last year, students collected 4,866 kilograms (10,728 pounds) of used household batteries. That is equivalent to about 250,000 AA size batteries. Over the past seven years students have collected 21,466 kilograms (46,365 pounds) of dead batteries.

All types of household batteries including AA, AAA, C, D, 6-volt, and 9-volt batteries are being collected as well as button batteries such as those found in watches and hearing aids. Both rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries are being collected.

Why collect batteries? One reason is to divert used batteries, which are a form of hazardous waste, from the land fill site. Batteries contain heavy metals and other chemicals such as acid, cadmium, mercury, copper, zinc, lead, manganese, nickel, and lithium that are dangerous to the environment. If batteries are put into landfill sites, these chemicals and heavy metals may leach into our ground water systems.

A second reason is to increase awareness about household hazardous waste in our community. We are encouraging responsible behaviour one battery at a time.

The Competition is generously funded by TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. The competition ends on Friday, May 29, 2009. For further information, please contact Trevor Schindeler at 474-7600 ext. 5407.

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