Local councillor makes deal for residents returning batteries

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For years, the City of Toronto and councillors have been encouraging Torontonians to keep used batteries out of landfills. People are urged to bring them to special city depots, or hand them in on environment days - because environmentally speaking, at least, it's the right thing to do.

This year, public works and infrastructure committee chair Glenn De Baeremaeker is trying to add an incentive. This Saturday, the Ward 38 (Scarborough Centre) city councillor will be bringing along the people at Air Miles to give any Air Miles card holder a 10-point credit for bringing batteries in to be recycled.

"This is an opportunity to earn Air Miles and get involved in the environment," said De Baeremaeker.

"Right now it's a trial marriage between Air Miles and the City of Toronto to say, let's go out and offer air miles rewards to anyone who shows up and recycles batteries."

An Air Miles spokesperson confirmed that the company, which is known for offering redeemable rewards points for purchasing various goods and services, is involved in the trial project to try and encourage recycling of disposable batteries.

De Baeremaeker said the partnership offers a small but possibly significant incentive to residents who want to keep the toxins from the used batteries out of the water table - but don't often get to one of the city's hazardous waste disposal depots.

"Your reward is a small contribution towards buying your next toaster or going on a vacation somewhere or visiting some relatives," said De Baeremaeker.

The councillor's Environment Day will take place Saturday, Oct. 4 at Centennial Community Centre, 1967 Ellesmere Rd., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.