Montreal, September 15, 2025 – Today, Environnement Jeunesse and Call2Recycle are launching the 10th edition of the Battery Recycling Contest as part of the Recycle Your Batteries, Canada program!, marking an important milestone for environmental engagement in schools. The contest is a free, turnkey initiative aimed at elementary and secondary schools, CEGEPs and, for the first time this year, vocational training centres (VTCs) in Quebec. Other educational institutions, such as adult centres, can also register, as in other years, for a chance to win one of five participation scholarships of $150 each.
Since its inception in 2016, the contest has diverted more than 255 tonnes of used batteries from landfills. This success is based on the commitment of thousands of young people, teachers and educational staff throughout Quebec. By promoting the implementation of concrete actions, this initiative has been able to foster a culture of sustainable environmental responsibility in Quebec educational institutes.
Nearly $19,000 awarded to mobilize all educational communities
To mark this 10th edition, a record amount of $18,950 in prizes will be awarded to participating institutions at all levels. This is the largest scholarship envelope ever offered under this initiative. This year’s highlight: 9 new scholarships, totalling $5,400, exclusively reserved for vocational training centres (VTCs), a first in the history of the competition.
This strong recognition demonstrates the importance of mobilizing all educational communities, including those that train the workers of tomorrow, in the ecological transition.
“Vocational training centres are dynamic learning environments that are rooted in their communities. By inviting them to participate, we recognize their essential role in the socio-ecological transition,” says Sarah-Katherine Lutz, Managing Director at Environnement Jeunesse.
Engaging youth to transform environments
Beyond the collection of batteries, this competition acts as a powerful lever for environmental action. Each year, the winning institutions invest the amount of the grants in concrete projects: greening of courses, reduction at source, awareness workshops, composting, vegetable garden landscaping or initiatives to strengthen eco-responsibility in their living environments.
” Launching the 10th edition of this battery-recycling contest, we are putting our confidence where it counts: in young people. Their energy and creativity turn good intentions into daily habits, that protect our communities and the environment.” explains Mélissa St-Pierre, Director of Eastern Canada which operates the Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! program.
Through its educational and participatory approach, the contest promotes the acquisition of civic and ecological skills and makes Quebec youth a key player in the fight against climate change.
An accessible and transformative competition
Completely free, the competition offers complete support, adapted to each environment: communication tools, collection materials, educational resources, logistical support, visibility of the projects and follow-up throughout the process. Its flexible format makes it easy for institutions to participate, regardless of their context or size.
Interested institutions have until December 15, 2025 to register. All the details are available on the Environnement Jeunesse website.
For more information, visit the Environnement Jeunesse website: https://enjeu.qc.ca/projets-et-evenements/concours-piles/
About Environnement Jeunesse
Created in 1979, Environnement Jeunesse is an environmental education organization that aims to raise awareness of environmental issues among young people in Quebec, to equip them through educational projects and to encourage them to take action in their respective communities. www.enjeu.qc.ca
About Call2Recycle Canada Inc.
Call2Recycle® is Canada’s leader in battery collection and recycling. Since 1997, the nonprofit has diverted more than 50 million batteries from landfills through its 15,000 drop-off locations across the country to internationally recognized environmental management standards. www.appelarecycler.ca
For more information:
Kathya Bérubé-Panneton
Project Manager at the Youth Pathway | Environment Youth
[email protected] | 514-252-3016
Caroline Hervochon
Communications Coordinator | Youth Environment
[email protected] | 514-252-3016
Alisson Marsan
Bilingual Manager, Marketing Specialist | Call2Recycle Canada [email protected] | 437-900-8545
Camille Vandeerstraeten
Director of Communications | Call2Recycle Canada [email protected] | 437-900-8551