Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation Releases New Data on Rising Use of Cordless Products and Consumers Willingness to Recycle
NEW YORK, April 22, 2002 – The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), a non-profit dedicated to rechargeable battery recycling, released the results of a national survey that highlights America’s growing reliance on cordless electronic products and consumers recycling habits. The results were announced today in New York City in conjunction with RBRC’s “Battery Check Week” (April 22-28) – a national call-to-action that encourages consumers to check the rechargeable batteries that power their cordless products, and if they can no longer hold a charge, to recycle them.
The survey found that respondents use an average of five cordless products in their day-to-day lives. A similar study conducted in 1999 by RBRC found that on average, consumers owned and used an average of three cordless products.
“The rise in number of cordless products that are used everyday indicates that people are growing increasingly reliant on using rechargeable batteries to power their daily lives,” said Ralph Millard, executive vice president, RBRC. “Yet, many consumers still don’t realize just how many of these products are powered by rechargeable batteries which can, and should, be recycled.”
The list of cordless products powered by rechargeable batteries includes cordless and cellular phones, cordless power tools, laptop computers, electric toothbrushes, camcorders, handheld mini vacuums and remote controlled toys.
The survey also found that:
- 63% would recycle their rechargeable batteries when purchasing replacements at a retail store
- 58% would recycle their rechargeable batteries at their place of business
- 60% would recycle their rechargeable batteries with other recyclables through curbside collection programs
RBRC works with national retailers, businesses and community recycling programs to set up convenient drop-off facilities for used rechargeable batteries. National participating retailers include Best Buy, Circuit City, The Home Depot, RadioShack, Sears, Target and many more.
“The number of people willing to recycle when given the option indicates that people want to be doing more to help the environment,” Mr. Millard continued. “Battery Check Week is RBRC’s program to encourage consumers to take charge of their cordless lifestyle and be responsible users from purchasing a product through to the end of its life.”
To find nearby battery drop-off locations, consumers can simply log-on to www.rbrc.org or call 1-800-8-BATTERY, type in their zip code, and they are given a list of participating retailers and community collection programs.
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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.
APR