Call2Recycle Canada > Recycling Your Rechargeable Batteries and Cell Phones

Safety & Compliance

All personnel handling Call2Recycle® collection boxes should follow these safety guidelines to ensure safe storage and shipping of used rechargeable batteries and cell phones. Call2Recycle mandates a ONE rechargeable battery, ONE bag rule. Utilize Call2Recycle-provided collection boxes and bags meeting U.S. DOT requirements to properly insulate individual batteries and cell phones for transport.

The Call2Recycle program recycles Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium Ion (Li-ion), Nickel Zinc (Ni-Zn), and Small Sealed Lead (Pb)* rechargeable batteries found in cellular and cordless phones, cordless power tools, laptop computers, PDAs, two-way radios, camcorders, remote control toys, and other cordless products. * weighing less than 11 lbs/5 kg each.

In Canada, if you are shipping from a province outside of Ontario, you must not ship over 500 kg per day, unless you are registered with the Ministry of Environment and have a license # to note on the shipping manifest. If you are shipping within Ontario, there is no per day weight limit and you may ship on a Bill of Lading.

Alkaline, lithium, or other non-rechargeable batteries are not accepted for recycling.

Call2Recycle accepts all cell phone makes and models. Phones must be deactivated prior to depositing into the collection box. Do not accept bag or cordless phones.

Used rechargeable batteries may still contain a residual charge that can short-circuit if terminals come in contact with other battery terminals during storage and shipping.

To prevent short-circuits, Call2Recycle mandates a ONE rechargeable battery, ONE bag rule. Each rechargeable battery, or cell phone with installed battery, must be placed into a separate plastic bag. If plastic bags are unavailable, cover battery terminals with tape (electrical, duct, or masking).

The shipment of rechargeable batteries that have not been properly packaged to prevent short-circuits is a violation of Federal law. Additionally, failure to comply with these Call2Recycle shipping guidelines may lead to a disruption of recycling services.

Place the rechargeable battery and cell phone collection box in a monitored location. The box should be within easy reach of properly trained personnel.

While rechargeable batteries are normally safe to handle, they contain materials that can vent during use. If a rechargeable battery appears to be dirty or to have a white powdery substance around the terminal, exercise caution when handling. Do not touch the dirty area. Wash your hands with soap and water. Put the battery in a plastic bag before placing it in the collection box.

Do not attempt to discharge a rechargeable battery by short-circuiting the terminals.

Do not accept wet batteries. Batteries should be dry before being placed into the collection box.

Do not overfill the collection box. When a collection box is full, seal and ship using the prepaid shipping label. Call2Recycle will automatically ship replacement boxes as needed. Allow up to 3 weeks for delivery.

Exercise caution when handling a collection box filled with rechargeable batteries and cell phones. It may cause personal injury if dropped. If a collection box breaks and releases its contents, place the rechargeable batteries and cell phones into a new collection box.

If you have questions about recycling rechargeable batteries or cell phones through Call2Recycle, call toll free: 1-888-224-9764; email: customerservice@call2recycle.ca.

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