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Survey reveals Canadians are ready and willing to recycle their old cellphones

TORONTO, October 26, 2004 – The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), a non-profit public service organization dedicated to recycling rechargeable batteries, today announced the nationwide launch of Call2Recycle™, its cellphone and rechargeable battery recycling program. Starting this week, a complete national infrastructure will be launched, with all-in-one cellphone and battery collection boxes shipped to over 4,000 participating retailers, communities, public agencies and businesses, providing a convenient service to all Canadians who own a cellphone.

According to a survey conducted by Maritz Research on behalf of RBRC, 68% of Canadian households are in possession of at least one cellphone, and 39% of households surveyed own two or more cellphones. One of the most noteworthy statistics, however, is that approximately half of respondents are unaware that cellphones are recyclable, though 79% said they would do so if provided with convenient drop-off points.

“Our survey showed that Canadians are ready and willing to help the environment by recycling their old cellphones” said Ralph Millard, executive vice president, RBRC. “Expanding our recycling program to include the collection of cellphones is a natural fit for us. Our primary goal is to collect and recycle more rechargeable batteries, but an added benefit is the ability to provide a solution other than landfill for the growing number of cellphones no longer in use by Canadians.”

RBRC’s recent survey of 1,000 adult Canadians revealed some interesting statistics. For example:

• Of those households surveyed, 68% have cellphones
• For those households with cellphones, the average number of cellphones
  is 2.2
• 17% of those surveyed own 3 or more cellphones
• 59% of those surveyed still have their old cellphones
• Only 6% of those surveyed have donated or recycled their old cellphones
• 49% of those surveyed were unaware that they could recycle their old cellphone or did not know where to bring it
• 79% of those surveyed would be more likely to recycle or donate their old
  cellphones if provided with a convenient drop-off location

Highlights of the Call2Recycle™ program include the following:

• Convenient retail locations across Canada and the U.S. for householders to drop off old cellphones
• Cell phones and rechargeable batteries can be collected in the same box
• 877-2-RECYCLE: a toll free number where householders are directed to
  the nearest drop-off location
• www.call2recycle.org and www.cellarecycler.org: Web sites dedicated
  to providing program information and drop-off locations
• No cost for householders, retailers, communities or public agencies
  to participate

A national promotional campaign, including public service announcements (PSAs) featuring Guy Lafleur, Montréal Canadiens #10 and RBRC program supporter, is also being launched. Mr. Lafleur helped to kick-off the recycling campaign today when he accepted the first cellphone from Ontario’s Minister of the Environment, the Honourable Leona Dombrowsky.

“It should be everyone’s goal to be an environmental champion,“ said Guy Lafleur. “And recycling used cellphones and rechargeable batteries is an easy way to score one for the environment.”

Methodology
The survey was conducted amongst 1,000 adult Canadians by Maritz Research between October 7th and 14th, 2004. It has a margin of error of +/-3.10%, 19 times out of 20.

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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.