Ontario's School Battery Recycling Challenge

Ontario's School Battery Recycling Challenge

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OSBRC Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my school not receive a steel consolitation drum?

Steel drums are only being distributed to schools that have consistently recycled at least a steel drum worth of batteries in the past. 

To facilitate faster pick up, most schools participating in the OSBRC will now receive 2 x 5-gallon recycling pails. 

 

When should I request a pick up?

If your school does not have a steel consolidation drum, please wait until your last pail is half full before requesting a pick up. 

If your school does have a steel drum, please wait until the drum is full (at least 4 inches from the top) before requesting a pickup.  This will reduce the OSBRC’s carbon footprint and limit green house gas emissions associated with the transportation.

 

How do I request a pick up?

Please wait until all of your collection pails and / or steel drum is full before requesting a pickup. 

Schools can request a pickup directly from the school’s admin section on the website. First, you submit a pail and then you’ll be asked if you require a pick up. Please indicate the type of container you have along with the quantity ready for pick up.

 

How do I open my drum?

The lid for the steel drum is secured in place by a nut and bolt clip. To remove the lid, first loosen the bolt using a ratchet by turning it counter clockwise. Once the bolt is loose you will be able to remove the lid.

 

Where should I store our drum?

Store used batteries in a cool and dry area. Batteries should not be stored in extreme heat, near flammable materials or in locations where there is moisture or humidity. Steel drums must also be placed on the ground floor so that they are accessible by our drivers for pick up. 

 

Which types of batteries can be recycled through the OSBRC program?

The OSBRC program is for primary single-use batteries only. These common household batteries are available in many sizes including AAA, AA, C, D, 9 volt, 6 volt and various button cell sizes that are used in hearing aids and watches.

 

Does E360S accept rechargeable batteries including lead acid batteries?

Environmental 360 Solutions Ltd. is permitted to collect, store, transport and process a variety of hard to manage wastes including batteries of all types, electronics, lead and mercury bearing wastes under its Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA).

If you would like to recycle other materials not accepted through the OSBRC, please contact us

 

What happens to rechargeable type batteries that are inadvertently recycled?

All batteries are sorted by chemistry at our recycling facility in Port Colborne, Ontario. We process several chemistries on site, including single-use alkaline batteries. Other types, including rechargeable batteries are packaged and shipped to processors that specialize in recycling those chemistry types.

 

Can our school receive batteries from existing Ontario collection sites?

No.  Schools cannot receive batteries from collection sites that already exist in Ontario.  This would create an unfair advantage and let’s face it; they’ve already been recycled! The OSBR Challenge is about recycling batteries that would have ended up in landfill otherwise. It’s about educating a school and a community about the importance of recycling. Besides, every household accumulates close to 1.36 kilograms in a year, so there are plenty of batteries to recycle right in your community!

 

How can I recover my password?

Ooops! It happens to the best of us. If you forget your password, you can recover it by visiting the login page and clicking on the link below the login form. Alternatively, you can send me an email and I’ll take care of it right away. 

 

How do I upload a picture to submit a student mission?

When you’re ready to submit the Mission requirements, simply access the Mission that you wish to submit. Below the Mission description there is a form. Select your child from the drop-down menu (if you have more than one child participating).

After, click on the browse button to upload a picture of your child fulfilling the Mission requirements. We accept .jpg, .jpeg, .gif and .png files no larger than 2mb. Once you locate the file to upload, double click on it to upload the file.  That’s it! If you have any troubles, contact me and I’ll walk you through it.