Pharmacy Chain Offers Cell Phone, Rechargeable Battery Recycling

Duane Reade Holdings Inc., the leading drug store chain in metropolitan New York, and the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp. (RBRC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to recycling used rechargeable batteries and old cell phones, have partnered to integrate RBRC's recycling program Call2Recycle in all Duane Reade stores.

According to the RBRC, the partnership complies with and exceeds the "New York City Rechargeable Battery Law" (Local Law 97) put into effect Dec. 1. The law requires all New York City retailers that sell rechargeable batteries to provide collection boxes to recycle used batteries. Duane Reade and RBRC have taken the initiative to also offer recycling for cell phones in all Duane Reade stores, including those outside New York State.

"Duane Reade is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment, and our partnership with RBRC underscores our commitment to protecting the environment," Rick Dreiling, CEO and president of Duane Reade, says. "By implementing RBRC's Call2Recycle program, our customers can now easily access and conveniently recycle their batteries and cell phones in our many store locations."

Ralph Millard, executive vice president of RBRC, says, "We look forward to expanding Call2Recycle in the New York City area and helping more local retailers to institute their own free and easy-to-implement rechargeable battery recycling programs."

Founded in 1960, Duane Reade is the largest drug store chain in the metropolitan New York City area. As of September 30, 2006, the Company operated 250 stores.

More than 30,000 retail, business and community collection locations participate in RBRC's rechargeable battery recycling program. RBRC is funded by more than 300 manufacturers and marketers of portable rechargeable batteries and products.

Cell phones collected through the Call2Recycle program will be recycled or refurbished and resold when possible with a portion of the proceeds benefiting select charities. Contributions or gifts to RBRC are not tax deductible. More information is available by phoning (877) 2-RECYCLE or by visiting www.call2recycle.org.