Battery Group Expands Recycling Program and List of Recyclable Rechargeable Batteries
VANCOUVER, March 23, 2000 – The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation of Canada today announced the introduction of additional collection methods for their Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery recycling program as well as upcoming plans to recycle additional rechargeable battery chemistries.
Beginning June 1, 2000, communities, businesses and public agencies throughout Canada will be able to recycle their used Ni-Cd rechargeable batteries – the power source for cordless phones and power tools – through the RBRC Charge Up to Recycle! program. Streamlined and cost efficient collection methods will be made available for ease of implementation and use. These will complement the already-existing consumer collection program being offered in over 4,000 retail locations across Canada.
In addition to the expansion of collection methods, starting in January 2001, RBRC will expand the Ni-Cd battery recycling program to include Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) and Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) rechargeable batteries – commonly found in cellular phones, laptop computers and other portable electronic products. Small sealed Lead (Pb) rechargeable batteries, which power camcorders and other portable electronic products, will also be recycled.
“We’re very excited about these plans for expansion of the Charge Up to Recycle! program as they will help keep more batteries out of the waste stream,” said Ralph A. Millard, Executive Vice President, RBRC.
Today, there are more than 29,000 retail and community locations across Canada and the U.S. participating in the Charge Up to Recycle! program. Consumers can find the nearest Ni-Cd battery drop-off location by calling 1-800-8BATTERY or by going online at www.rbrc.org.
National Canadian retail stores participating in the program include: Astral Photo Images, Authorized Motorola Dealers, Battery Plus, Black’s Photography, Canadian Tire, Future Shop, Home Hardware, London Drugs, Makita Factory Service Centers, Personal Edge/Centre du Rasoir, RadioShack and Zellers.
RBRC is an international, not-for-profit public service organization that is funded by more than 285 manufacturers and marketers of portable rechargeable batteries and products. These companies are committed to preserving the environment and pay a fee to place the RBRC Battery Recycling Seal on Ni-Cd batteries and product packaging. RBRC’s international public education campaign and battery recycling program – Charge Up to Recycle! – is the result of the rechargeable power industry’s commitment to conserve natural resources and prevent Ni-Cd batteries from entering the solid waste stream.
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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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