Recycling rates rise for rechargeable batteries
Collection figures were released by the RBRC, a nonprofit public-service organization dedicated to recycling rechargeable batteries and cell phones. According to the RBRC, more than 6.3 million lbs. of rechargeable batteries were recycled in the United States and Canada last year—a 12 percent increase over the previous year.
The batteries were recycled through RBRC’s Call2Recycle program, a comprehensive, nationwide program that integrates the participation of consumers, retailers and government agencies. The program provides a convenient way to collect and recycle old cell phones and used rechargeable batteries found in cordless electronic products, such as cordless power tools, two-way radios, cordless and cellular phones, laptop computers, digital cameras and camcorders.
“We are proud to report an increase in rechargeable battery collection numbers, which is a true testament to the efforts and participation of our many retail, consumer and community partners who have joined forces to further raise awareness of rechargeable battery recycling,” said Doug Smith, chairman of the RBRC board of directors and director of corporate environmental affairs for Sony Electronics. “Additional factors such as state and local legislation and grassroots involvement have helped boost overall environmental awareness and underscore the importance of rechargeable battery recycling.”
Steps to success
The following factors are among the many efforts and activities that helped contribute to the increase in collection numbers:
• Circuit City expanded recycling campaign. Circuit City became the first retailer to expand upon the Call2Recycle program by introducing a new initiative that increases consumer participation in the program and provides education about the importance of protecting the environment. In addition to regular Call2Recycle collection boxes currently available in Circuit City stores throughout the United States, Circuit City also distributed individual collection bags to all customers who made online purchases.
• “New York City Rechargeable Battery Law” (Local Law 97 of 2005). Legislation went into effect on Dec. 1, 2006, prohibiting the disposal of rechargeable batteries as solid waste and requiring all New York City retailers that sell rechargeable batteries and products that contain them to collect used batteries. With more than 300 Call2Recycle locations in New York City, RBRC was named as the solution to help local retailers comply with the new law and offer a means for consumers to drop off used rechargeable batteries free of charge.
• New Mexico Recycling Awareness Month. Together with the New Mexico Recycling Coalition and the City of Albuquerque, the RBRC supported a public awareness campaign during New Mexico Recycling Awareness Month. The campaign encouraged consumers to recycle their used rechargeable batteries and old cell phones at Call2Recycle locations throughout the Albuquerque area. Since 2003, participating city agencies throughout Albuquerque have successfully collected more than 6,000 lbs. of rechargeable batteries through Call2Recycle.
• Ten-year anniversary in Canada. The RBRC celebrated its 10-year anniversary in Canada, where more than 7,000 collection locations throughout the country participate in the Call2Recycle program, including major retailers, community organizations and public agencies. Collection rates have increased steadily each year, with a total of more than 2 million lbs. of rechargeable batteries and cell phones collected over the last ten years. In 2007, the RBRC collected more than 500,000 lbs. of rechargeable batteries—an increase of nine percent over 2006.
• Montreal partnerships. The RBRC celebrated recycling partnerships with the city of Montreal and the Montreal Fire Department, which have organized collection sites at every fire station throughout the city. The collection sites enable residents to drop off their used rechargeable batteries and cell phones at locations close to home.
• Calgary campaign. The RBRC presented the National Recycling Leadership Award to the Alberta Environment Action on Waste team for its coordination of a six-month call-to-action campaign that encouraged businesses, communities and public agencies in Alberta to join Call2Recycle. This campaign resulted in the addition of 41 new collection locations which, together with other locations in Alberta, collected more than 33,446 lbs. of rechargeable batteries during the campaign period—an increase of 31 percent over the previous year.
For more information about recycling resources offered by the RBRC or to find the nearest participating drop-off location for used rechargeable batteries, call 877-2-RECYCLE or visit: http://www.call2recycle.org/.