RBRC commends Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger — and the state of California — for thinking ‘green’

RBRC extends open invitation to all California retailers to enroll in Call2Recycle™ cellphone recycling program

ATLANTA, October 4, 2004 – The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), a non-profit public service organization dedicated to recycling rechargeable batteries and cellphones, today announced that it would like to officially recognize Governor Schwarzenegger and the state of California for its commitment to the environment, especially in light of its newly signed Cell Phone Recycling Act of 2004. This cellphone bill, which was signed on September 29, requires all retailers that sell cellular phones to provide their customers with containers or other means to safely dispose of their used cellphones.

RBRC’s Call2Recycle™, the first nationwide cellphone and rechargeable battery recycling program, gives all cellphone retailers the ability to do just that. Call2Recycle features more than 30,000 collection locations across the nation where consumers can drop off old cellphones, whether the phones are in working condition or not. The rechargeable batteries in the phones are recycled through RBRC’s existing retail channels and cellphones collected through the Call2Recycle program are refurbished, recycled or resold when possible, with a portion of proceeds being donated to select national charities.

“RBRC has a longstanding commitment to protecting the environment and each year we recognize a few outstanding cities or organizations for their recycling efforts,” said Norm England, President and CEO, RBRC. “This year, we have decided to bestow an additional honorary award to Governor Schwarzenegger and the state of California for their exemplary dedication to helping the environment“.
A recent survey of 1,000 Americans conducted by NOP World for RBRC revealed that more than 70% of respondents were unaware that cellphones are recyclable, though nearly 90% indicated they would do so if provided with convenient drop-off points. In addition the survey revealed some other startling statistics. For example:

• The average American adult owns a total of 2.4 cellphones.
• More than 26% of those surveyed own 3 or more cellphones.
• More than 56% of those surveyed still have their old cellphones.
• Only 2.3% of those surveyed recycled their old cellphones.
• More than 70% of those surveyed were unaware that cellphones could be recycled.

“Our survey showed that Americans are ready and willing to help the environment by donating their used cellphones, but until now, most of them just didn’t know how,” said England. “California’s Recycling Act will help encourage both retailers and consumers to recycle responsibly. Our Call2Recycle program offers retailers a unique opportunity to set up a cellphone recycling program of their own, and at no cost to the retailer or the customer.”

Highlights of the Call2Recycle™ program include the following:
• Convenient retail locations across the U.S. for consumers to drop off used cellphones
• Cell phones and rechargeable batteries can be collected in the same box
877-2-RECYCLE: a toll free number where consumers are directed to the nearest drop off location
www.call2recycle.org: a Web site dedicated to providing program information and drop off locations
• No cost for consumers or retailers to participate
• Program benefits both the environment and worthy charities

Since 1994, RBRC has collected over 22 million pounds of rechargeable batteries – those found in a growing list of portable electronics products, including a wide range of portable electronic products, including cellular and cordless phones, two-way radios, camcorders, laptop computers and cordless power tools. Consumers can find the nearest participating drop off location by calling 1-877-2-RECYCLE or by going online at www.call2recycle.org

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About Call2Recycle®
Call2Recycle is the industry’s first and only product stewardship program for rechargeable batteries. The nonprofit program is administered by the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), a public service organization dedicated to rechargeable battery recycling. There are more than 30,000 Call2Recycle drop-off locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. More than 175 manufacturers and marketers of portable rechargeable batteries and products show their commitment to conserve natural resources and prevent rechargeable batteries from entering the solid waste stream by funding the Call2Recycle program. In pursuit of its mission, Call2Recycle also collects old cellphones, which are either recycled or refurbished and resold when possible with a portion of the proceeds benefiting select charities. For more information, call 877-2-RECYCLE or visit www.call2recycle.org.

 

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