Staples Canada reports on diversion efforts, sparking solutions for a greener future

The Working and Learning Company continues to make an impact through convenient recycling programs available to all Canadians

RICHMOND HILL, ON, April 26, 2022 /CNW/ - Staples Canada has been passionate about making a positive impact on the environment for nearly 20 years, sparking solutions for a greener future through both its in-store recycling programs and corporate initiatives. In recognition of Earth Month, Staples celebrates its sustainability accomplishments to date.

Staples is committed to recycling and diverting materials from the waste stream. Through its programs, more than 20.5 million kilograms of e-waste, 25 million ink and toner cartridges, and more than 1 million kilograms of household batteries have been safely recycled to date. (CNW Group/Staples Canada ULC)

Staples is committed to recycling and diverting materials from the waste stream. Through its programs, more than 20.5 million kilograms of e-waste, 25 million ink and toner cartridges, and more than 1 million kilograms of household batteries have been safely recycled to date (CNW Group/Staples Canada ULC)

Staples is committed to recycling and diverting materials from the waste stream. Through its programs, more than 20.5 million kilograms of e-waste, 25 million ink and toner cartridges, and more than 1 million kilograms of household batteries have been safely recycled to date. (CNW Group/Staples Canada ULC)

Staples is committed to recycling and diverting materials from the waste stream. Through its programs, more than 20.5 million kilograms of e-waste, 25 million ink and toner cartridges, and more than 1 million kilograms of household batteries have been safely recycled to date. (CNW Group/Staples Canada ULC)

Staples is committed to recycling and diverting materials from the waste stream. Through its programs, more than 20.5 million kilograms of e-waste, 25 million ink and toner cartridges, and more than 1 million kilograms of household batteries have been safely recycled to date. (CNW Group/Staples Canada ULC)

Staples is committed to recycling and diverting materials from the waste stream. Through its programs, more than 20.5 million kilograms of e-waste, 25 million ink and toner cartridges, and more than 1 million kilograms of household batteries have been safely recycled to date. (CNW Group/Staples Canada ULC)

"Earth Month gives us an opportunity not only to reflect on our progress, but to celebrate our achievements and set our sights on the future," said David Boone, CEO at Staples Canada. "We have been planet-passionate for over 20 years, providing solutions for a greener future and supporting the communities we live and work in to make sustainable choices through our partnerships, programs and products."

Staples is the number one supporter of Bullfrog Energy in the retail space in Canada. All Staples Studio co-working spaces, Print Hubs, Solutionshop locations, as well as Staples Professional's HQ and E-commerce platform in Canada are 100 per cent powered by Bullfrog Energy, coming exclusively from wind and hydro facilities that have been certified as low impact by Environment Canada under its EcoLogo program. In 2021, Staples' Corktown Store became the first to be 100 per cent Bullfrog Powered.

Supporting Canadians with safe disposal

Staples is committed to recycling and diverting materials from the waste stream. Through its programs, more than 20.5 million kilograms of e-waste, 25 million ink and toner cartridges, and more than 1 million kilograms of household batteries have been safely recycled to date. Staples' 300+ store locations across Canada have several free recycling solutions available for customers, including:

• Cardboard Recycling Program: This year, Staples is re-launching its corrugated cardboard collection and recycling program through its delivery fleet in 2022.
• Battery Recycling Program: Staples partners with Call2Recycle to collect used batteries (rechargeable and alkaline) from all store locations and its Home Office for recycling.
• Electronics Recycling: Through Staples' partnership with eCycle Solutions, end-of-life electronics including cell phones, computers, peripherals and more can be submitted at almost all Staples retail locations (excluding stores in Calgary, Alberta). Staples is an authorized e-waste provider site through the Electronic Products Recycling Association (EPRA) nationally.
• Writing Instruments: In 2012, Staples launched a writing instrument recycling program in partnership with TerraCycle. Customers can drop off used writing instruments, such as pens, pencils, markers and highlighters at local stores, which are then shipped to TerraCycle for recycling.
• Shredding: Though Staples' partnership with Iron Mountain customers can access safe and cost-effective secure shredding services. All shredded materials are then recycled to minimize waste and pollution.
• Ink Recycling Programs: Every year 300 million ink cartridges end up in North American landfills. Staples Canada encourages schools across the country to participate in its School Ink Recycling Program by signing up to receive a free ink cartridge collection bin. All retail locations and Staples delivery drivers also collect ink/toner cartridges from consumers to be recycled.

Greener product picks

Staples Canada carries a broad mix of environmentally responsible products and actively works with like-minded vendors to increase its assortment of eco-responsible goods. Some top selects include:

• House of Marley POSITIVE VIBRATION 2 BT Headphone, $99.99: sustainably crafted from FSC Certified Wood, REWIND Fabric and Recyclable Aluminum, Positive Vibration 2 Wireless supports the reforestry of trees and the general welfare of our planet
• Rocketbook Fusion Smart Reusable Notebook, $49.99: No more wasting paper - this environmentally friendly 42-page notebook has 7 different page styles for planning, listing, goal setting, note-taking, sketching, and sharing big ideas
• BIC ReVolution Mechanical Pencils, $3.59: made from 65% recycled plastic and the paperboard used in this packaging is made up of 100% recycled content
• Staples FSC-Certified Copy Paper, starting at $66.49: Choose from Forest Stewardship Council^® (FSC^®) certified printer and copy paper. FSC helps take care of forests and the people and wildlife who call them home.
• Sistema Bento Lunch TO GO, $10.99: the perfect reusable container for transporting your lunch and snacks on the go, while packing planet-friendly lunches
• Thermos Hydration Bottle, $13.99: Made from BPA-free, durable Eastman Tritan copolyester material
• Sustainable Earth by Staples SE15 Hospital Grade Disinfectant Spray & Wipe Cleaner, $4.99: Formulated to remove stains, hard water build-up, and soap scum, this fragrance-free spray is also ecology certified

More information on sustainability goals, waste diversion and recycling programs, along with a number of informative environment resources can be found on Staples Canada's sustainability hub at staples.ca/environment.

About Staples Canada 

Staples Canada is The Working and Learning Company. With a focus on community, inspiration and services, the privately-owned company is committed to being a dynamic, inspiring partner to customers who visit its 300+ locations and staples.ca. The company has two brands that support business customers, Staples Preferred for small businesses and Staples Professional for medium to large-sized enterprises, as well as six co-working facilities in Toronto, Kelowna, Oakville and Ottawa under the Staples Studio banner. Staples Canada is a proud partner of MAP through its Even the Odds campaign, which aims to tackle inequities in communities across Canada and helps make a future that's fair for everyone. Visit staples.ca for more information or get social with @StaplesCanada on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Staples Canada ULC

Media Information: Kathleen Stelmach, Staples Canada, 905-737-1147 Ext. 578, [email protected]; Noah Gomberg, Golin, 647-475-4721, [email protected]