California Communities Offer Curbside Collection of Batteries, Cell Phones

The South Bayside Waste Management Authority (SBWMA), a joint powers authority of 12 member agencies in California’s San Mateo County, has announced the launch of a curbside recycling program for household batteries and cell phones.

Starting Oct. 1, residents in single-family homes of SBWMA member agencies can set out household batteries, both rechargeable and disposable alkaline batteries, in a clear plastic bag on top of their mixed paper recycling bin on collection day. Automotive batteries are not accepted. Cell phones should be wrapped in paper and placed in the bag that contains the batteries.

“With batteries and cell phones banned from trash disposal in California, residents have been struggling to find a convenient recycling option and now have one,” Kevin McCarthy, SBWMA executive director, says.

A pilot program began in March of this year in the city of San Carlos, Calif. The service continues as the program is rolled out to all member agencies throughout central and southern San Mateo County.

The SBWMA is looking for original equipment manufacturers and private partners to help support ongoing public education efforts.

Currently, Allied Waste of San Mateo County provides collection services for 91,000 residences and nearly 10,000 businesses under franchise contracts through Dec. 31, 2010.

More information about SBWMA is available at www.RethinkWaste.org.