New Battery Sorting Technology Revealed by Company in Orillia is Described as ‘Groundbreaking’

Electronic Distributors International Inc. (EDI) has unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in battery sorting technology that is set to revolutionize Ontario’s capacity to recycle end-of-life batteries. The new equipment, located at EDI’s Orillia facility, is one of only four of its kind in the world, making it a rare and valuable asset in the realm of battery recycling.

This cutting-edge technology will effectively double the plant’s capacity to sort used batteries, supporting the increasing volumes of batteries recycled by Call2Recycle in Ontario. In fact, Call2Recycle saw a 58% increase in battery recycling in 2023, making this new sorting equipment a timely and crucial addition to the recycling infrastructure in the province.

The advanced battery sorting system utilizes X-ray technology to precisely identify and sort each battery type, even when the chemistry or label is unidentifiable. This not only streamlines the sorting process but also reduces the risk of safety incidents due to sorting errors and improper chemistry identification.

“We are proud to work with forward-thinking organizations like EDI who drive innovation and positive change in the recycling industry,” said Joe Zenobio, president of Call2Recycle Canada. “Innovations like this not only bolster our efforts to increase Ontario’s battery recycling infrastructure but also help enhance its efficiency by supporting the collection of larger volumes of batteries, minimizing the environmental impact, and supporting the local economy.”

EDI’s new sorting system sets a new benchmark for industry standards, processing up to almost 500 kilograms of used batteries per hour. This investment in advanced technology not only modernizes the recycling industry but also aligns seamlessly with the evolving sustainability needs of partners like Call2Recycle. With this new equipment in place, Ontario is poised to make significant strides in battery recycling and waste diversion goals.