More than 2.6 million kilograms of batteries have been recycled and diverted from landfill sites in the US and Canada so far this year.

Figures from battery stewardship organisation, Call2Recycle, show that battery collections are on target to grow for the 19^th consecutive year, with a 6% rise so far in 2015.

In the US, western states, northern plains and the great lakes regions drove the bulk of growth at 11%; while regionally, British Columbia and Ontario grew collections by 19% and 7% respectively. Since its launch in 2010, British Columbia has collected and recycled more than 2 million kilograms of batteries.

Last year, Call2Recycle reached a milestone of collecting 100 million pounds (45 million kilograms) in total collectionsthroughout their network in both the US and Canada since launching in 1996.

Approximately 90% of both US and Canadian residents are now said to be living within 10 miles of one of Call2Recycle’s 34,000+ public drop-off locations.

In Canada, two new jurisdictions, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, recently reconfirmed their battery recycling commitment by signing Memos of Understanding with Call2Recycle. This follows the organisation providingrecycling services in Manitoba, Quebec and British Columbia.