Raw Materials Company Inc

Raw Materials Company (RMC) was established in 1985 based on a belief and vision that all consumer batteries need to be managed responsibly and not discarded into municipal landfills, regardless of type.Our focus has always been to find solutions that are not only economical, but also solutions that are considered socially and environmentally sustainable. Our technology is forever evolving as we push ourselves to stay on pace with advances in battery manufacturing.
In a world of inefficient processing methods, RMC is very proud to have engineered a battery recycling process that recycles and reuses all of the components of an alkaline battery in a sustainable manner.
Working alongside local Stewardship and Producer Responsibility programs, RMC has managed to increase Ontario's Battery Collections and Recycling Rate to the highest rate in North America. All recycled materials are reused in industry, preventing the need for further mining and depletion of our finite natural resources. This creates jobs at RMC and employment opportunities with the companies that consume our materials.With society's growing dependence on all things electronic, the issue of responsible stewardship of spent batteries will only become more prevalent in the years ahead.At Raw Materials Company, we are committed to providing the world with the most efficient and sustainable battery recycling solution for consumer batteries.

Our Mission

Raw Materials Company is an international leader in the field of waste and resource recycling. The company was formed to reflect our commitment to a safer environment through the proper recycling and conversion of waste material. As pioneers in the field of energy conservation and resource preservation, we are proud of our contribution to a cleaner global environment. This commitment extends to ensuring the highest possible health and safety standards for the protection of our employees and the public at large.RMC was one of the first environmental companies to receive the ISO 14001 accreditation. RMC has been ISO 14001 registered since 2000.

• The RMC 3500 (3rd generation) was specifically designed to recycle alkaline batteries. Our process produces 100% yield of all the battery components. Recycled products are sold locally without additives or further refinement.
• All recovered materials are consumed within a few hundred miles of the RMC processing facility, limiting green house gas emissions associated with transportation.
• The RMC 3500 operates under negative pressure reclaiming the chlorine, ammonia and mercury vapours. Our process to recycle alkaline batteries creates negligible green house gas emissions.
• Our process occupies a minimal physical footprint and draws minimal amounts of resources and energy to operate, therefore optimizing environmental performance while minimizing our carbon footprint.

Recycled Products from RMC Process

Zinc, Manganese and Potassium
Zinc, manganese and potassium are used as a micro-nutrient to grow corn for bio-fuelZinc, manganese and potassium are all natural earth elements and are necessary for life. Each of these elements plays a key role in promoting healthy plant growth and is found naturally in the soil and used in commercial fertilizers.100% of the zinc, manganese and potassium is recovered and used as a premium micro-nutrient to grow corn - an originally intended application.The use of RMC micro-nutrients increases corn yields by 20 bushels per acre. This is important considering the world's growing population.

Steel and Nickel
Steel is recovered and reused to manufacture cars and appliances
Approximately 25% of an alkaline battery is made up of steel and nickel. Through our mechanical process, 100% of the steel and nickel is recovered and sold back into the local market as a premium product in the production of new metals.

Paper and Plastic
Paper and plastic is converted into energyBecause energy from waste is not considered recycling in Ontario, our recycling efficiency rate is anywhere from 86% - 92% depending on the type of battery and its paper and plastic content. This paper and plastic, which makes up 8% - 14% of the battery by weight is sent to an Energy from Waste (EFW) facility to create electricity.
The electricity created from that paper and plastic could be used to power 80% of the energy Raw Materials Company uses for its recycling process.

Recycle Counter

Raw Materials Company has processed and recycled 306,102¹ kilograms of batteries in Ontario so far this year.Please remember to take your used batteries to your nearest drop-off location and help to increase this great number.