Organization Offers Retailers Possible Solution to New Law

Call2Recycle, Atlanta, a free battery and cell phone collection program,  has announced its interest in helping New York State retailers comply with the requirements of the battery take-back law. The New York State Rechargeable Battery Law requires retailers to accept rechargeable batteries as of June 8 so they can be recycled through a manufacturer-funded program.

Carl Smith, Call2Recycle CEO, says, “Because the program is modeled on the voluntary Call2Recycle program that has operated in New York since 1994, we are already serving many retailers across the state. We are fully prepared to help all New York retailers respond to this mandate and keep rechargeable batteries out of the state’s landfills.”

According to a press release from Call2Recycle, the law requires manufacturers to arrange for and finance the recycling of consumer rechargeable batteries collected by retailers. Retailers are required to post signage in their stores to inform customers of their participation in the program and the requirement to recycle batteries.

The law adds rechargeable batteries to a number of products New York residents can return to retailers at the end of their useful lifes. Used plastics bags, lead-acid batteries and most beverage containers are already on the list.

Call2Recycle’s program is designed to provide retailers with postage-paid collection boxes and signage. The company then coordinates the shipment of batteries from the retail site to sorting and recycling facilities.

Metals recovered from recycled batteries are used for new batteries and stainless steel products. According to the company, none of the broken-down material makes its way into landfills.

More information can be found at www.call2recycle.org or by calling 877-723-1297.