Call2Recycle Collects Nearly 7 Million Pounds of Rechargeable Batteries in 2008

Call2Recycle, a rechargeable battery and cell phone recycling program offered through the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp. (RBRC), Atlanta, has reported a 9.6 percent increase in its collection of rechargeable batteries compared to 2007. The organization reports recycling 6.9 million pounds of rechargeable batteries in 2008.

"Many factors contributed to this year's success, including new partnerships and the expansion of our collection program to include a new battery chemistry,” Carl Smith, CEO of the RBRC, says. “But more than anything, continuous support and ongoing involvement from our retail, consumer and community partners has helped us grow our collection efforts year over year. Particularly as more attention is paid to the disposal of electronic waste, the Call2Recycle solution stands out as a viable means of handling rechargeable battery disposal."

The RBRC cites the following programs as among the key drivers of the program’s success in 2008:

·         Earth911.com—Call2Recycle partnered with Earth911.com, leveraging the site's readership to raise awareness for rechargeable battery recycling, according to RBRC. Battery recycling was the site's top search term in 2008. In addition to a comprehensive search engine for collection locations, the site now includes content on rechargeable battery recycling to educate visitors and encourage participation.

·         Program Expansion—For the first time in seven years, Call2Recycle expanded its rechargeable battery collection program to include Nickel-Zinc (Ni-Zn) batteries, making it the fifth rechargeable chemistry accepted through the program. PowerGenix, a rechargeable battery manufacturer, became the first Call2Recycle licensee of Ni-Zn.

·         Partner Initiatives—RBRC also recognizes the efforts of its partners Sony, DeWalt, Ritz Camera and the U.S. Forest Service to increase rechargeable battery recycling.

·         Web site Enhancement—Call2Recycle's enhanced Web site provides a more efficient user experience for consumers and prospective retail, business and community partners., according to the RBRC. Call2Recycle can communicate with program participants in a new medium, through safety videos, Webinars, online tutorials and an e-newsletter. The site also includes more informational resources, like a virtual house tour to help identify which household products are powered by rechargeable batteries, tips for maximizing battery life and a comprehensive listing of city, state and federal recycling laws.

More information on the Call2Recycle program is available at www.call2recycle.org.