The nonprofit Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp. (RBRC) has announced its collection data for the first six months of 2005, reporting that a total of 2.25 million pounds of rechargeable batteries was collected in the United States and Canada through the Call2Recycle program. This data represents an increase of 9% from the same time period in 2004.
Call2Recycle is a comprehensive rechargeable battery and cell phone recycling program featuring more than 30,000 collection locations across the nation where consumers can drop off used rechargeable batteries and old cell phones. Through RBRC’s recycling network, reusable metals from Ni-Cd, Li-ion, Ni-MH and Small Sealed Lead (Pb) batteries are recovered and recycled to make new products, such as new batteries and stainless steel. Cell phones collected through the Call2Recycle program are recycled or refurbished and resold, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting national charities, such as Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
According to a recent study conducted by NOP World on behalf of RBRC, Americans use an average of six wireless products per day, and more than 30% of consumers own and use eight or more wireless products. As the use of wireless products continues to grow, so does the number of rechargeable batteries that can and should be recycled through Call2Recycle’s channels.
The increase in collection numbers can in part be attributed to the recent efforts by RBRC, including new public service announcements and waiving of all associated fees for businesses. Businesses need no longer pay for the shipping of rechargeable batteries and cell phones collected at the workplace. Once registered, participants receive a free shipment of collection boxes that includes prepaid shipment, pre-addressed shipping labels, safety instructions and plastic bags for each used rechargeable battery and cell phone.
For more information or to find the nearest participating drop-off location, call 877-2-RECYCLE or go online at www.call2recycle.org. For more on RBRC, call 800-8-BATTERY or visit www.rbrc.org.
