City of Austin, Texas, and Call2Recycle launch battery recycling challenge

Austin Resource Recovery and the Austin Public Library, in conjunction with Atlanta-based Call2Recycle have announced the 2015 Austin Recharge Challenge, where 21 library locations in Austin, Texas, will compete to collect the most batteries for recycling from residents. The winning Austin Public Library location will be rewarded with a $1,000 donation from Call2Recycle to help fund a sustainable project, such as a bike rack or outdoor bench. The city says it hopes the campaign will expand consumer awareness and increase battery recycling.

In 2011, the city of Austin adopted its Zero Waste Master Plan to reduce the amount of trash it sends to landfills by 90 percent by 2040. To help meet that goal, the city encourages residents to drop off their used single-use and rechargeable batteries at all Austin Public Library locations and other drop-off locations between Aug. 17 and Sept. 18. A list of drop-off locations is at http://austintexas.gov/page/battery-drop-locations.

“Austin Resource Recovery is pleased to join the Austin Public Library and Call2Recycle to increase battery recycling in Austin,” says Austin Resource Recovery Director Bob Gedert. “I encourage residents to join in the challenge. It’s easy to drop off your batteries and help the Austin Public Library earn a donation for a sustainable project.”

Since establishing its battery recycling program in 1999, the city of Austin has collected more than 457,000 pounds of batteries. Currently, the city collects up to 2,000 pounds of batteries each month from residents and retailers, which are sent to Call2Recycle for recycling.

Austin Resource Recovery does not accept batteries in its curbside recycling program.

“The challenge is befitting, as Austin has been referred to as a leading city in sustainable practices in multiple case studies,” says Tim Warren, account manager at Call2Recycle. “Many Austin residents are strong environmental advocates and have already done a great job at taking action. We’re excited to see a city like Austin making recycling more available and accessible.”

Warren adds, “As the proliferation of mobile devices and other battery-powered gadgets continues to grow rapidly, it’s more important than ever for consumers to know where to responsibly recycle their used batteries,” said Warren.

More information is available at www.call2recycle.org/austin-recharge.