The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation partners with leading drugstore chain
ATLANTA, June 27, 2006 – Rite Aid Corporation, one of the nation’s leading drugstore chains, and the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), a nonprofit, public service organization dedicated to recycling rechargeable batteries, have partnered to roll out RBRC’s rechargeable battery recycling program, Call2Recycle, in Rite Aid stores throughout the state of California.
Starting today, RBRC’s rechargeable battery drop-off boxes will be in all Rite Aid stores throughout California, giving customers the ability to drop off their used rechargeable batteries commonly found in portable electronics products such as: power tools, cordless phones, laptop computers, PDAs, digital cameras, and cellphones.
“Our partnership with Rite Aid will make it easier than ever for consumers to recycle their rechargeable batteries,” said Ralph Millard, Executive Vice President, RBRC. “It is wonderful that Rite Aid has taken the initiative in advance of California’s new recycling legislation.”
Effective July 1st 2006, retailers and manufacturers of rechargeable batteries in the state of California will be required by law to recycle all rechargeable batteries according to the “Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act of 2006” (A.B. 1125). RBRC has made it easy for retailers and manufacturers to comply with the new laws, as is evidenced by the new partnership with Rite Aid.
“Environmental issues are on the forefront and Rite Aid customers are showing us a greater level of concern and awareness for maintaining a healthy environment,” said Mark Coleman, Category Manager for Photo and Batteries at Rite Aid. “Rite Aid is committed to being involved in our communities in meaningful ways and we are proud to partner with RBRC on this very important initiative.”
Now, even more locations to recycle
With approximately 588 Rite Aid stores in California, the RBRC/Rite Aid program adds to the over 30,000 sites throughout the U.S. and Canada that consumers can access to drop off their used rechargeable batteries.
To find a nearby Rite Aid, click on “Find a Rite Aid” at www.riteaid.com. For other drop off locations, consumers can simply call toll-free 1-877-2-RECYCLE or log on to www.call2recycle.org, type in their zip code, and they are given a list of participating collection sites in their area. The program is free of charge to consumers.
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About Rite Aid
Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE, PCX: RAD) is one of the nation’s leading drugstore chains with annual revenues of $17.3 billion and approximately 3,320 stores in 27 states and the District of Columbia. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company’s website at www.riteaid.com.
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.
JUN