Call2Recycle Inc., an Atlanta-based consumer battery stewardship organization, has been selected by 11 companies initially to develop, implement and promote a mandated program in Vermont to recycle single-use batteries.
Call2Recycle says Vermont is the first state to require single-use battery manufacturers to develop a program to collect and recycle spent primary batteries (including AA, C, D and other household alkaline batteries). The law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2016.
As required by Vermont law, Call2Recycle will submit a plan by June 1, 2015, on behalf of the following companies: Ace Hardware Corp., Dorcy International, Duracell/The Gillette Co./Procter & Gamble, Energizer Battery Manufacturing, Interstate Batteries Recycling, Panasonic Corp., Polaroid, Rayovac/Spectrum Brands, RiteAid, Sony Electronics and Varta Microbattery.
For 21 years Call2Recycle has served Vermont with free collection and recycling of rechargeable batteries. Building on its current network of nearly 100 drop-off sites throughout Vermont, Call2Recycle says it is working with stakeholders to develop a comprehensive plan to expand battery recycling efforts in the state.
“Millions of single-use batteries used to power toys, flashlights, wireless devices and other consumer products are thrown away every day when they could be diverted from landfills for recycling,” says Carl Smith, CEO and president of Call2Recycle. “We applaud Vermont for addressing this issue and look forward to working with the state government and our partners to implement a recycling program in the months ahead.
“Furthermore,” Smith continues, “Call2Recycle is prepared to do the same for other states that also adopt similar legislation and one day have every state committed to recycling single-use batteries just as paper, aluminum and other postconsumer materials are recycled now.”