BOUCHERVILLE, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Nov. 2, 2012) -

Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

RONA inc. (TSX:RON)(TSX:RON.PR.A), the largest Canadian distributor and retailer of hardware, renovation and gardening products, today announced the deployment of its recycling station program for all its corporate stores across Canada. This program builds on a number of previous sustainable development initiatives undertaken by the company. It's also the result of partnerships between the company and local organizations that recycle items deposited at the stations.

A recycling station is a clearly marked and accessible structure found near the entrance of a RONA store, where the public may dispose of products that are not permitted in household recycling containers, rather than throwing them in the garbage at the end of their life cycle. With this simple gesture, the company is helping consumers reduce their environmental footprint.

Each station contains six compartments for recycling batteries, compact fluorescent bulbs, power tools accessories (e.g. blades), cardboard and paper, plastics, glass and metals, and mobile phones. Smaller stations, comprised of four compartments rather than six, will be installed at stores that have less available space.

"RONA already stands out from the competition in terms of sustainability. The recycling station program adds to the numerous commitments, policies and programs implemented by our company over the years. We're always on the lookout for gestures and partnerships that can help us reduce our footprint and encourage customers and partners to do likewise," said Normand Dumont, Vice President, Sustainable Development.

Two for one: RONA Foundation and Tree Canada benefit from recycling station program

Recycling of mobile phones is managed by GreenTec-Think Recycle. Defective items that cannot be reconditioned still contain valuable metals such as copper or gold. GreenTec recovers these components, and then sells them to manufacturers for use in new products. Proceeds from this process will be donated to the RONA Foundation. In addition, for every 24 qualifying items collected (for the list, see www.thinkrecycle.com), GreenTec will make a donation to Tree Canada, on behalf of RONA, for the planting of one tree.

Sustainability at RONA

RONA has made a commitment to minimize the environmental impact of its operations. The implementation of the life cycle approach and a responsible procurement policy, the promotion in stores of RONA ECO and other eco-responsible products, and a paint recycling program are just a few tangible examples of measures that aim to ensure the continued health of our environment. For more information on sustainable development at RONA, visit the Our Footprint section of rona.ca.

About RONA

RONA inc. (TSX:RON)(TSX:RON.PR.A) is the largest Canadian distributor and retailer of hardware, home renovation and gardening products and operates a network of more than 800 corporate, franchise and affiliate stores of various sizes and formats. With more than 30,000 employees working under various banners in every region of Canada, the RONA store network generates more than $6 billion in annual retail sales. Visit rona.ca for more information.

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