How Call2Recycle is making battery collection safer and future-ready
Call2Recycle Canada is a non-profit organisation that operates battery recycling programs on behalf of battery and battery-powered product manufacturers. With more than 12,000 collection sites across the country, the organisation plays a key role in protecting people, property and the environment.
Joe Zenobio, President of Call2Recycle, explains how the organisation proactively addressed growing safety risks while preparing its collection network for long-term growth.
Rapid growth, rising risks
Since its founding in 1997, Call2Recycle has diverted over 50 million kilograms of batteries from Canadian landfills. Remarkably, nearly half of that volume was collected in just the past four years.
This strong growth reflects a positive shift in consumer behaviour, but it also comes with new challenges. The sharp increase in lithium-ion batteries has significantly raised the risk of fires during collection, storage and transport. Traditional cardboard boxes were no longer sufficient to ensure safety.
Call2Recycle therefore set out to find a solution that could do more than just reduce risks. The organisation was looking for a system that would also improve efficiency, optimise collection routes, reduce environmental impact and support future scalability — without complicating the experience for collection partners.
A smarter, safer approach
After extensive evaluation, Call2Recycle chose to collaborate with Bebat PRO. The organisation is now gradually replacing its cardboard boxes with steel collection drums, specifically designed for safe battery storage and transport.
Beyond the inherent fire resistance of metal, Bebat PRO’s solution offered something unique: an integrated, future-proof system. Smart lids with temperature monitoring allow early detection of abnormal heat increases, while fill-level monitoring supports automated and optimised collection planning. The system’s bilingual functionality was also essential in serving both English- and French-speaking collection sites across Canada.
Joe Zenobio explains the choice:
“Bebat PRO’s smart drums offered a truly comprehensive solution. Many alternatives focused on safety or technology alone, but very few combined both in a way that met our program needs while preparing us for future growth.”
Safer collection, lower impact
The introduction of smart metal drums has significantly improved safety across Call2Recycle’s network. At the same time, the solution supports the organisation’s sustainability ambitions.
The reusable drums have a larger capacity and eliminate the need for single-use boxes and liners. This reduces waste, lowers transport frequency and helps minimise the overall environmental footprint. Real-time data from the smart lids enables Call2Recycle to proactively manage its network, identify high-volume locations and streamline collection routes, resulting in lower operational costs and a smoother experience for partners.
Bebat PRO understands the realities of battery collection today and the challenges of tomorrow. Their expertise, innovative mindset and solution-oriented approach make them a strong long-term partner for Call2Recycle.
Joe Zenobio
Call2Recycle
Take your battery collection to the next level
Are you also interested in taking your battery collection, sorting and recycling efforts to the next level?
Get in touch for more information or a free quote. Let’s make things safer, together.
Other real-world applications of our solutions
Recser’s search for safer solutions for storing and transporting batteries
