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March 22, 2010
(Red Deer, Alberta) – Red Deer’s second annual school battery drive competition kicks off today with students across the city collecting batteries for recycling. The school with the most batteries wins.
The competition, hosted by The City of Red Deer and Kerry Wood Nature Centre, will raise awareness and educate people about keeping batteries out of the landfill.
“Batteries contain compounds such as heavy metals that are dangerous to the environment,” said Todd Nivens, Programs Coordinator for the Kerry Wood Nature Centre. “We hope this competition raises awareness about this issue and encourages people to think beyond batteries. We want people to look at what they are sending to the landfill as there may be better options.”
The battery drive competition is open to all Red Deer schools, and there is no cost to participate. Schools will be given barrels to collect single use, alkaline batteries. Rechargeable batteries or lithium ion batteries, such as those used in power tools and cell phones, must be sorted separately. Car batteries are not accepted.
Participating schools are invited to send representatives to the wind-up BBQ and weigh in at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre on Earth Day, April 22. The school with the most weight of batteries per capita will win planetarium programming for their school.
Last year’s competition collected 1,224 kgs of batteries from 15 participating schools. “Until we ran the battery drive, many people were unaware that batteries are considered household hazardous waste,” said Pam Vust, Environmental Initiatives Coordinator with The City of Red Deer. “People are really excited about this program. Based on the interest I’ve seen so far, I hope to double what we collected last year.”
Residents can drop off batteries and other household hazardous waste for free, year round at The City’s Waste Management Facility. This program accepts household chemicals including cleaners, pesticides, paint, car batteries and other hazardous items. The program does not accept motor oil or prescription drugs.
To participate in the battery drive competition or for more information about it and other environmental education programs, call the Kerry Wood Nature Centre at 403-346-2010. Information on The City’s Household Hazardous Waste Program can be found on The City’s website at www.reddeer.ca/envservices or by calling 403-342-8750.
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For more information, please contact:
Todd Nivens Nancy Hackett
Programs Coordinator Environmental Initiatives Supervisor
Kerry Wood Nature Centre The City of Red Deer
403-346-2010 ext. 106 403-342-8750
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