Vermont to launch battery recycling program in 2016

The state of Vermont has approved Call2Recycle Inc., a North American consumer battery stewardship organization, to implement the first mandated U.S. primary (single-use) battery recycling program beginning Jan. 1, 2016.

Call2Recycle, headquartered in Atlanta, operates about 34,000 battery and cellphone collection sites throughout the U.S. and Canada. The stewardship organization, which has received the Responsible Recycling Practices Standard (R2) certification, says it has diverted 100 million pounds (45 million kilograms) of batteries and cellphones from the solid waste stream since 1994.

For 21 years, Call2Recycle says, it has voluntarily served the state of Vermont with a free rechargeable battery collection and recycling program. The new law is designed to minimize consumer confusion, as residents will no longer need to separate out single-use batteries when they recycle. This program will also help maximize the number of batteries being diverted from landfill, Call2Recycle says.

Building on its current network of nearly 100 drop-off sites within 10 miles of 86 percent of Vermont residents, Call2Recycle will continue to make it easy and convenient to recycle batteries. At the start of the New Year, Vermont residents will be able to recycle their household batteries (including AA, AAA, C, D and other single-use battery types) at a wide variety of convenient locations, including retailers, municipalities, libraries and other frequently visited locations.

Vermont’s Primary Battery Law requires producers of single-use batteries to provide a Stewardship Plan to manage the proper recycling of those batteries sold in Vermont. Numerous battery producers have designated Call2Recycle as its stewardship organization to fulfill its obligations in the state and will be funding the approved plan.

“Vermont’s battery program marks a pivotal moment in our country’s efforts to reduce the amount of materials in our landfills through responsible recycling,” says Carl Smith, CEO and president of Call2Recycle. “Call2Recycle is thrilled to be at the forefront of battery stewardship and excited to be applying its expertise to offer a comprehensive battery recycling solution to Vermont residents.”

For more information about Vermont’s Primary Battery Law, visit www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/wastediv/HHW/HouseholdBatteries.htm.