B4B – Batteries for Burgers

By Tommy Lau from Ecowatch

Dry-cell batteries, used in most common household products and toys, are part of our everyday lives. However, little thought has been given to the chemicals they contain to generate the energy we use. When they run out of power, they are often thrown into the rubbish without a thought.

Once a battery is in the waste stream, it becomes difficult to separate. Consequently, it is sent to landfill with other non-recyclable products. Over time, the battery decomposes and dangerous chemicals seep into the ground, and potentially to our water supplies. Although "dry cell" batteries represent less than one (1%) percent of municipal solid waste weight, they account for fifty-two (52%) percent of all cadmium and eighty-eight (88%) percent of all mercury found in landfills.

B4B (Batteries for Burgers) BBQ event took place on June 5 at the Canadian Tire located at Major Mac. & Woodbine. This event is to promote recycling all used batteries in our community. During this event, free burgers were served to attendees who donated used batteries for recycling purposes. In addition, educational posters were presented to educate attendees about the importance of recycling batteries instead of disposing them. We hope to bring a message, through this event, of awareness to the public about the importance of battery recycling, and make our community a Green Driven Community.

This event was organized by Ecowatch and supported by the Rotary Club of York. RCOY had provided Ecowatch with help in coordinating sponsors and other efforts to make this event happen. RCOY also offered to supply volunteers to lend a hand at the event to ensure that the whole event ran successfully.

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