"All Season" Tires & Safe Battery Disposal

Ask blogTO appears every Wednesday. Email ask [at] blogto.com with your question(s).

Ask blogTO,
Why is it that automobile tire manufacturers are still allowed to label what should be labeled 'summer' tires (with no effective traction in the snow or ice) as 'all season' tires? Shouldn't this be a major health and safety issue/concern for the masses?
- Julian

Hey Julian,
Transport Canada and the Rubber Association of Canada have standards regarding the classification of tires. In colder weather, "all season" tires are adequate for conditions down to approximately -10C and are maked "M + S" for "mud and snow" tires. On the Transport Canada site discussing WInter Tire Safety Tips, there is a statement saying that the "all season" tires "may not always be suitable for severe snow conditions".

It is recommended that "snow" or "winter" tires should be installed for the winter months. Tires which are marked with the mountain and the snowflake are designated specifically as such and a list of certified "snow" tires are provided by Transport Canada.

The Rubber Association of Canada also suggests checking the inflation level of the tires, because "as the temperature outside drops, the air inside a tire contracts and the pressure drops - one or two pounds for every five degree drop." Further, "Contrary to common belief, underinflation does not give tires better traction in the snow."

Let's face it, depending on where you are in the country, it's imperative to have "snow" tires due to severe winter conditions. However, in the city, it's not very often that there is a real necessity for "snow" tires - maybe a handful of times a winter. So many people make due with the "all seasons". I think the real issue is in the prices, where a set of "snow" tires can cost up to $1,000. But if it's a question of safety, the additional cost may be well worth it. Ultimately, it is up to the consumer to decide what would be best for his or her situation and to be educated on weather-specific driving techniques.

***

Dear Ask BlogTO,
Near the front entrance to my house, there's a rather large jar (of unknown origins, possibly the previous tenants'?) that's nearly filled to capacity with old batteries. AA's, AAA's, etc. We really don't want to throw them in the garbage as we all know that's an eco-No-No. But where in Toronto can we take them (downtown preferably)? We're pretty sure others have to be going through this same dilemma as there's no way proper battery disposal is common knowledge. Unless it is, in which case.. wow. We suck. Any help on the matter would be hugely appreciated.
- Eco-rebel

Hey Eco-rebel,
From your question, I would say you're more of an Eco-buddy, than an Eco-rebel, but I digress. We do suck to a degree, because finding information on proper battery disposal isn't exactly easy.

First off, I dispose of my used batteries at Metro Hall (King West and John St). They have boxes set out for cell phone, inkjet cartridge and battery recycling. It is located behind one of the pillars surrounding the round meeting area on the main floor. So, that is one option.

Then I asked my friend who works for the Ministry of the Environment (and a fellow and vigilant Eco-buddy) if she had any suggestions. To which she responded:

"OH BOY OH BOY - can I help you!!! This is great. I love spreading the word on environmental issues:
Most cities have a household hazardous waste sites where you can take old batteries, leftover paint products, etc.

Toronto has a few in each area. They can find it in the blue pages under City of Toronto services, or City of Toronto website, under City Services. Here's a few helpful phone numbers

Household Hazardous Waste Hotline: 416-392-4330; Toxics Taxi (for pick up of a small load of stuff - may have a fee): 416-392-4330. Or call Access Toronto to find all kinds of services that Toronto provides: 416-338-0685.

Also, there are Environment Days all over Toronto, scheduled usually from March - October where you can bring all this stuff as well as computers, old cell phones, tires, styrofoam. The 2006 schedule is not up yet. but here's the info."