Public Agencies Can Now Recycle Rechargeable Batteries at No Cost

The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation Will Absorb All Program Costs Previously Charged to Public Agencies

The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp. announced that any public agency that wishes to participate in its Charge Up to Recycle! battery recycling program may do so free of charge beginning this month.

In 2001, RBRC omitted fees associated with its community recycling program. Starting in January 2003, the program will be available at no charge to public agencies as well. This includes federal, state and local governmental agencies, public hospitals, police and fire departments, and military institutions. Since RBRC lifted its participation fees for communities, they have seen an increase in program participation of 21 percent.

"The reaction from the community to providing a free recycling program has been extremely positive. Offering the program free of charge to public agencies is the next step in helping to recycle as many rechargeable batteries as possible," said Ralph Millard, executive vice president, RBRC. "While so many public programs, including those involving recycling, are getting either cut or reduced significantly, the RBRC program is growing and expanding. Even more important -- the public does not have to absorb any costs associated with implementing the program."

  Highlights of the restructured program include the following:

RBRC will handle the collection of all small portable rechargeable batteries, including Nickel-Cadmium, Nickel Metal Hydride, Lithium Ion and Small Sealed Lead rechargeable batteries

RBRC will provide two- or five-box collection kits at no cost -- each box holds approximately 40 pounds of rechargeable batteries and is valued at $50

RBRC will pay for all shipping, materials, processing and recycling costs