Call2Recycle, Atlanta, has announced that it has been approved as the first battery recycling plan in New York by the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

 

The New York State Rechargeable Battery Act, signed into law Dec. 10, 2010, requires manufacturers of select rechargeable batteries to collect and recycle the batteries statewide in a manufacturer-funded program at no cost to consumers.

 

“Call2Recycle has served as the voluntary program in New York since 1996 and, with this formal approval by the DEC, a shared responsibility approach to recycling batteries is confirmed,” says Carl Smith, CEO and president of Call2Recycle. “We look forward to continuing our efforts across the State.”

 

Call2Recycle provides a network of collection locations throughout New York where residents can drop off used rechargeable batteries at no cost. Retailers that sell rechargeable batteries are required to accept used rechargeable batteries from consumers during normal business hours and must post signs informing consumers that a program is available at that location.

 

Residents can visit www.call2recycle.org to find a free collection site or visit national retailers such as The Home Depot, Lowe’s, RadioShack and Staples.

 

More information on battery recycling in New York is available at www.call2recycle.org/newyork.