March 18, 2022 is Global Recycling Day, and we’re recognizing the dedication of communities and the industry that recover and recycle over 99% of lead batteries – a circular economy that represents the most recycled consumer product in North America.

Throughout Canada, there is an efficient coast-to-coast recycling network that collects, and transports lead batteries for processing and re-manufacturing into new lead batteries.  But in the remote areas of Canada, the recovery of lead batteries is more challenging, and a new program for remote communities by the Canadian Battery Association (CBA) demonstrates the lead battery industry’s commitment to the sustainable and responsible stewardship of lead batteries from coast to coast to coast.

To expand the circular economy for lead batteries to Canada’s remote communities, the CBA piloted a backhaul program in partnership with nine other Stewardship Programs and 5 northern Manitoba First Nation communities.  The backhaul program has been successful with approximately 30,000kg of lead batteries collected and transported over the past three winter road seasons – a remarkable achievement considering a pandemic locked down the communities for most of that period, and 2021 was a warm winter with a limited window for winter-road backhauls.”