Winnipeg Public Libraries win hearts and prizes in Call2Recycle's Waste Reduction Week Contest!

West Kildonan Library wins title of 'Winnipeg Waste Ace'

WINNIPEG, Dec. 2, 2015 /CNW/ - Call2Recycle partnered with Winnipeg Public Library to encourage Winnipeggers to keep batteries and cellphones out of Winnipeg landfills during Waste Reduction Week 2015.  From October 19-25, branches of Winnipeg Public Library competed to see which one could create the most eye-catching battery display and collect the most weight in spent batteries and cellphones to earn the title of Winnipeg's "Waste Ace."

To ensure that Winnipeggers were aware of Waste Reduction Week and the Call2Recycle program, there was a media blitz comprising radio spots, TV interviews and ads.

West Kildonan Library won the title of 'Winnipeg Waste Ace' by using innovative strategies such as social media and attractive signage to bring in almost 250 kilograms of batteries and cellphones. The winning branch will receive a cash donation from Call2Recycle that will be used towards the purchase of community equipment for their Library.

Delphine Lagourgue, Regional Director, Central Canada, Call2Recycle said, "By the end of the contest, almost 2,000 kilograms of batteries and cellphones had been collected. We hope to make the Winnipeg Waste Ace an annual event which will not only educate and inform communities about the importance of recycling batteries and cellphones, but will also nurture a community spirit by uniting library staff, members and youth in a common cause."

"Congratulations to the West Kildonan residents for contributing to the Call2Recycle initiative by dropping off the heaviest amount of used batteries and cellphones at the West Kildonan Library, winning the  Waste Reduction Week top prize of $1,500.00!" said Ross Eadie, City Councillor for the Mynarski Ward.

Many library branches came up with creative and informative displays. There were two joint winners of the display contest: Charleswood Library with three amazing displays created by their staff and Youth Advisory Committee targeting children, adults and youth; and Westwood Library who created a unique hanging battery display featuring images of their staff, as well as  a clever 'Follow the Feet to the Contest' concept.

Added Rick Walker, Manager, Winnipeg Public Library, "The Branch Heads mentioned that the contest and advertising surrounding it, attracted new customers to the libraries. It also drew awareness to the fact that people could recycle batteries at libraries, that some did not know prior to the contest."

Although Waste Ace Contest has now ended for 2015, all 20 Winnipeg Public Library branches continue to collect batteries and cellphones for the Call2Recycle program year-round.  Call2Recycle accepts household batteries (weighing up to 5 kg) and used cellphones (any make, model, or age).  To find the drop-off location nearest you at a library, please visit Winnipeg.ca/libraries or see call2recycle.ca.

About Call2Recycle Canada, Inc.
Call2Recycle Canada, Inc. is a non-profit organization that collects and recycles batteries at no cost for municipalities, businesses and consumers. Since 1997, Call2Recycle has diverted over 45 million kilograms of batteries and cellphones from the solid waste stream and established more than 7,000 collection sites throughout Canada. A leader in its field, Call2Recyle was built upon a commitment to environmental sustainability and meets or exceeds the most rigorous recycling standards for the safe recycling and management of batteries. Learn more at call2recycle.ca or call 1.888.224.9764.

SOURCE Call2Recycle

For further information: Tia Thomas, Consultant, Environics Communications, [email protected], [phone]; Sandra Abuwalla, Director, Marketing & Communications, Call2Recycle Canada, Inc., [email protected], [phone]