FAQs

Please click on a question to view the response.

General Questions

1. What is the Call2Recycle program?

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   Call2Recycle^® is the only no cost used battery and cellphone collection program in North America. Since 1996, Call2Recycle has diverted 34 million kilograms of used batteries from the solid waste stream and established a network of 30,000 public recycling drop-off locations. Call2Recycle Canada, Inc. is a non-profit organization.

2. How much does it cost to participate in the program?

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   It’s free to participate in the Call2Recycle program.

3. How is the program funded?

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   Members of the rechargeable battery and portable electronic product industry fund the rechargeable battery recycling program by paying a licensing fee to use Call2Recycle’s Battery Recycling Seals – these supporters are called our Licensees/Industry Stewards. The rechargeable battery seals are printed on batteries. Primary battery manufacturers also fund the collection program for the responsible recycling of their products. Cellphone recycling is partially-funded by the resale of refurbished cellphones.

4. What types of batteries or cellphones can be recycled?

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   Call2Recycle accepts used batteries weighing less than 5 kg. The program accepts all cellphones, with or without the cellphone battery. The program does not take cellphone chargers. Read more

5. Where can I recycle my used batteries and old cellphones?

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   There are about 30,000 public collection sites in the U.S. and Canada where you can drop off used batteries and cellphones. Use our drop-off locator or call the toll-free helpline, 877.273.2925 to find the location nearest you.

6. What are the reclaimed materials from the used batteries and old cellphones made into?

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   All of the used batteries and cellphones collected through the Call2Recycle program are recycled and used to create other types of materials, including new batteries, stainless steel products and more. None of the material broken down from the recycling of used batteries and cellphones makes its way into landfills.

7. Why is it important to recycle batteries and cellphones?

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   Consumers use an average of six wireless products in their day-to-day lives, and the average cellphone is replaced (or upgraded) every 18 to 24 months. That’s a lot of batteries and cellphones, so we want to make sure that they are properly disposed of and don’t end up in landfills.

8. Do you recycle car batteries?

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   No. Please contact www.recyclemybattery.ca or the car battery manufacturer, battery retailer or auto service center for information on recycling automotive batteries.

9. Is it illegal to throw away my batteries or cellphones in the regular garbage?

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   Certain provinces have laws that make it illegal to dispose of batteries and cellphones. Please visit our Recycling Laws Map to see if your province has specific laws about batteries.

10. Do you recycle single-use/non rechargeable batteries?

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    Yes, we accept all used batteries (rechargeable and single-use) weighing less than 5 kg.

11. What happens to my cellphone data?

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    In the recycling process, the memory on the phones is destroyed and reusable materials are reclaimed – nothing goes into the landfill. The processors that are reconditioning the phones will remove the personal data in the phones before they are resold; however, Call2Recycle encourages corporations and other organizations to inform their employees to remove any personal information from phones before recycling. To do so, we recommend removing the SIM card, then follow the manufacturers’ guidelines to remove additional personal data that may still reside on the phone. Cellphone providers also have specific instructions on deleting data stored on individual models of their phones. It may also be advisable to inform employees to utilize one of the cellphone data eraser downloads available on the internet.
    
    Here are instructions provided by our processor: How to Erase Your Data

Participant-specific Questions

1. Why should my organization participate in the Call2Recycle program?

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   There are several reasons to participate:

   • Call2Recycle can help boost your overall sustainability efforts
   • Our program is an easy and convenient way to offer public recycling
   • It’s a free, simple way to comply with regulations*
   • Participation provides an environmentally responsible way to ensure batteries and cellphones don’t end up in landfills

   *Call2Recycle is mandated to recycle batteries, including single-use, in the provinces of British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec and select locations in Ontario.

    

2. How much does it cost for my organization to participate in the program?

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   There is no charge to drop-off your batteries and cellphones at our locations or to be a collection site. Participation is free.

3. How does a portable product or battery manufacturer get involved in the program?

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   Portable product and battery manufacturers play a vital role as Licensees/Industry Stewards. Learn more

4. Can licensees become collection sites?

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   Yes. If you are a Licensee/Industry Steward and would like to participate as a collection site, please request more information.

5. Are there any weight limits or other restrictions on batteries?

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   All batteries are subject to a maximum individual battery weight of 5 kilograms. Any single shipment – regardless of the number of containers used – must not exceed 500 kilograms. Have weight and shipping questions? Contact our Customer Service Team (888.224.9764)

6. Where can I obtain program safety and shipping guidelines?

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   Please visit the Safety and Shipping Tips page.

7. How will consumers know where to recycle their used batteries and old cellphones?

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   We include all location information for collection sites that have chosen to be made public on our online drop-off locator and on our toll-free helpline, 877.273.2925.

8. I ran out of boxes or bags. How can my organization order more?

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   Call2Recycle automatically sends new collection kits when our system informs us that your quantities are low (allow 2-3 weeks for delivery). However, if you are currently in need of supplies, please submit our Collection Kit Re-Order Form or call our Customer Service Team at 888.224.9764.

9. Do I have to be open to the public or can I collect internally?

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   As a collection location, you choose whether you are a public drop-off location, in which case, we will include your location on our online drop-off locator or you can select to be private and only collect internally as a service to your employees for your site. If you select private, your location information will not be shared.

10. Who do I contact if I have any program questions?

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    You can contact our Customer Service Team (888.224.9764) with any questions.