The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation Reports Increase in Collection Numbers

Over 2.4 million pounds of rechargeable batteries collected in first half of 2006

ATLANTA, July 20, 2006 – The nonprofit Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) today announced its collection data for the first six months of 2006, reporting that a total of 2.4 million pounds of rechargeable batteries were collected in the U.S. and Canada through its Call2Recycle™ program – an overall 6.4 percent increase from the same time period in 2005.

RBRC’s successful collection growth is due largely to the expansion of collection sites through its retailers, businesses, communities and public agency participation. Since January, RBRC has experienced a 10 percent increase in participation by adding 4,466 new collection sites to its current roster of over 30,000 sites.

In addition, the recently implemented California “Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act of 2006” (A.B. 1125) now requires California retailers who sell rechargeable batteries to provide consumers with a free program for returning and recycling rechargeable batteries. In order to comply with the legislation, a growing number of retailers and licensees in California have also signed on to the RBRC program.

“The first six months of this year have demonstrated a steady increase in our collection of rechargeable batteries, and we look forward to sustaining this growth in the next six months,” said Ralph Millard, RBRC executive vice president. “We would like to thank all of the retailers, businesses and communities that serve as collection points, because it is through their commitment that our program continues to grow.”

The increase in collection numbers can also be attributed to recent efforts by RBRC including:

  • The signing of new retail partners. Since January, RBRC has signed several new retail partners including: Sony Style Stores, Circuit City, Rite Aid, California-based Kragen Auto Parts and Fry’s Electronics. All stores sell products that use rechargeable batteries, so these partnerships offer a convenient and fitting place for consumers to recycle their rechargeable batteries.
  • California’s “Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act of 2006.” California’s recently-passed “Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act of 2006” requires retailers who sell rechargeable batteries in the state of California to provide consumers with a free program for returning rechargeable batteries for reuse, recycling or proper disposal. RBRC, in an effort to make compliance with this legislation as easy as possible for consumers and businesses, RBRC has partnered with Rite Aid, Kragen Auto Parts and Fry’s Electronics to provide battery collection sites throughout their California locations.
  • Earth Day survey reveals consumers are more environmentally-conscious. A survey examining America’s environmental attitudes conducted by NOP on behalf of RBRC showed that consumers are increasingly more concerned with the state of the environment. The survey revealed a drastic increase in cellphone recycling with 15 percent of this year’s respondents reporting that they recycle their old cellphones, versus only 3.2 percent last year. Over 93 percent of those surveyed said they would be more likely to recycle their old cellphones and used rechargeable batteries if there were a convenient drop-off location at a store near them, showing the demand for more battery and cellphone collection sites.
  • RBRC’s “Green Means Go…RECYCLE” Campaign. As part of its “Green Means Go…RECYCLE” campaign, RBRC encourages NASCAR fans to learn about rechargeable battery and cellphone recycling with an interactive exhibit. The 53-foot long modular exhibit and display features a full-size racing simulator car, an interactive prize wheel where individuals are rewarded for their recycling knowledge and fun, educational materials from RBRC. Additionally, RBRC spokesperson Richard Karn is making appearances at select NASCAR races for autographs and photos. NASCAR fans are considered a key target audience by RBRC, because many of them frequently use power tools and other portable electronics that commonly use rechargeable batteries.

The list of wireless products powered by rechargeable batteries today includes numerous communication and music listening devices (e.g., MP3 players, laptop computers, PDAs, pagers, personal organizers and cordless or cellular phones), as well as digital cameras, cordless power tools, camcorders, handheld mini vacuums and remote-controlled toys.

For more information or to find the nearest participating drop-off location, call 1-877-2-RECYCLE or go 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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