OTTAWA, CANADA, April
5 2007 –Environment Canada today released
the Canadian Consumer Battery Baseline Study,
which reveals that the annual number of
consumer batteries discarded is increasing
dramatically, releasing a growing amount
of dangerous substances into our land and
water.
“We are concerned that large amounts of
products containing toxic substances are
thrown out in our landfills every day” saidthe
Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment.
“The results of this Study will help Environment
Canada challenge the battery industry to
improve the recovery and recycling of batteries.”
The Study provides the first national estimates
of the amount of heavy metals such as mercury,
cadmium and lead that are potentially released
into the environment through the disposal
of batteries. It also suggests that the
rate of recycling of rechargeable batteries,
which contain toxic substances of concern,
is very low.
As part of the Chemicals Management Plan
launched last December 2006, Canada’s New
Government is committed to reducing releases
of chemical substances that pose a risk
to human health and the environment.
Regulations or other measures to manage
the risks associated with products containing
toxic substances, including batteries which
contain mercury, are also being considered.
Environment Canada will continue to work
with provinces and territories to share
information and best practices to assist
in their recycling and waste reduction efforts.
Canadians can get involved and recycle
batteries such as those used in cellular
phones, cordless power tools and laptop
computers through many participating retailers
and municipalities across Canada. For more
information on this Study and the recycling
of batteries, please visit Environment Canada’s
web site at www.ec.gc.ca/nopp/docs/rpt/battery
or call our toll free line at 1-800-668-6767.
Eric Richer / Press Secretary / Office of
the Minister of the Environment
+ More
New Appointments to the National Round
Table on the Environment and the Economy
OTTAWA, April 5, 2007 – The Honorable John
Baird, Minister of the Environment, is pleased
to announce the appointments of Dr. Angus
Bruneau, Mr. Christopher Hilkene, Mr. Ken
McKinnon and Dr. Robert Page to the National
Round Table on the Environment and the Economy.
Their appointments have been confirmed by
the Governor in Council and are effective
immediately.
“The National Round Table on the Environment
and the Economy is a valuable resource for
environmental and economic advice,"
said Minister Baird. “Dr. Bruneau, Mr. Hilkene,
Mr. McKinnon and Dr. Page will bring new
insight and experience to the Round Table,
and will help continue the important work
in exploring new opportunities to integrate
environmental progress and economic stewardship.”
The National Round Table on the Environment
and the Economy is dedicated to sustaining
Canada’s prosperity and securing its future
by generating and promoting innovative ways
to advance Canada’s environmental and economic
interests.
The Round Table was created in October
1988 and its independent role and mandate
were enshrined in the National Round Table
on the Environment and Economy Act. Its
members are drawn from distinguished leaders
in business and labour, universities, environmental
organizations, Aboriginal communities and
municipalities.
Biographical notes on Dr. Bruneau, Mr.
Hilkene, Mr. McKinnon and Dr. Page are attached.
Eric Richer / Press Secretary / Office of
the Minister of the Environment
