Ontario stands at a pivotal crossroads in its sustainability journey. As we collectively embrace the opportunities and responsibilities of environmental stewardship, one clear path forward is through investment in local recycling infrastructure, which strengthens the circular economy and employment and makes it easier for Canadians to participate in meaningful environmental actions.
At Call2Recycle Canada, we proudly announced the expansion of processing capabilities in Ontario earlier this year, a key step toward meeting the growing demand for safe, efficient, and environmentally sound battery recycling. But this move is more than just a capacity upgrade. It’s a commitment to supporting the local economy, creating skilled jobs, and building a more resilient and responsive recycling network in response to increased battery collections.
A Local Solution for a Global Challenge
As the demand for batteries grows, driven by consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and the transition to cleaner energy, so does the importance of responsibly managing their end-of-life. Batteries contain valuable metals and materials that, when recycled properly, can be recovered and reused, significantly reducing the environmental impact of raw material extraction.
By adding AI-guided X-ray screening to our process, we can confirm battery chemistry and condition without opening anything, even when labels are missing, and automatically route each unit to the right stream. This reduces manual handling, improves material purity, and strengthens safety through non-contact analysis that helps flag damaged or unstable cells in real time. Similar systems are already running in commercial settings and can handle household batteries of many sizes and shapes, helping increase throughput while lowering costs. Paired with AI that forecasts seasonal collection peaks and optimizes pickups and processing, this makes Ontario’s network faster, safer, and more reliable.
Driving Economic Opportunity through Recycling
Building a robust recycling infrastructure is good for the environment and the economy. The latest expansion announced brings new investment, partnerships, and jobs to Ontario’s green economy. From transportation and logistics to processing and environmental engineering, the ripple effects of a growing battery recycling network contribute to a skilled, future-focused workforce.
Working with local partners, municipalities, and businesses creates a circular ecosystem that keeps materials and value in Canada.
Empowering Ontarians to Participate
Infrastructure is only part of the equation. To truly accelerate battery recycling, we must make it easier for Ontarians to participate. Through our growing network of thousands of public drop-off locations across the province and our collaborations with leading retailers, municipalities, and community organizations, we’re making battery recycling more accessible than ever.
Beyond convenient drop-off options, we also lead public education, so participation becomes second nature. Through province-wide marketing campaigns, classroom resources, and engaging school contests, we equip families and students with clear, practical guidance on safe battery recycling. By partnering with retailers, municipalities, manufacturers, and community organizations, our outreach shows up where people already are, online, in stores, and at local events, turning awareness into action.
We aim to meet Canadians where they are in their recycling journey and empower them with the tools and knowledge they need to do their part.
Looking Ahead: Building the Future Together
This new capability in Ontario is one step in a much larger journey. As we continue to expand our national network and deepen our partnerships, our focus remains on building a safe, efficient, and circular battery recycling system that contributes directly to provinces’ environmental goals and reflects our shared values.
At Call2Recycle, we’re proud to lead the solution, not only diverting batteries from landfills but driving the infrastructure and awareness that make recycling a simple and impactful part of daily life.
Together, we can power a future where no battery goes to waste, and every Ontarian plays a role in shaping a more sustainable tomorrow.