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Call2Recycle rechargeable battery and cellphone recycling program is available to all New York City retailers at no cost

NEW YORK, November 30, 2006 – The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), a non-profit public service organization dedicated to recycling rechargeable batteries and cellphones, today announced that it will support New York City retailers in their efforts to comply with the requirements of the “New York City Rechargeable Battery Recycling Ordinance” (Introductory Number 70-A). RBRC executives, local New York City Council Members Michael McMahon, Kendall Stewart and Gale Brewer and Department of Sanitation Commissioner John Doherty met today to celebrate the new law at a press conference at the Flatotel in Midtown Manhattan, where they also participated in a ceremonial rechargeable battery donation.

This law, effective December 1, 2006, prohibits the disposal of rechargeable batteries as solid waste, and requires all New York City retailers that sell rechargeable batteries and products that contain them to collect used batteries. To meet the terms of the new law, free programs must be made available to consumers for returning the used rechargeable batteries found in many commonly used electronic devices (such as digital cameras, laptop computers, cordless power tools, pagers, cordless phones and cellphones) for reuse, recycling or proper disposal. RBRC’s Call2Recycle™ program, the most comprehensive nationwide rechargeable battery and cellphone recycling program, gives all retailers the ability to do just that. Call2Recycle features more than 300 locations in New York City, where consumers can drop off used rechargeable batteries and old cellphones at no cost.

“As one of the greenest cities in the country, mandating the proper disposal of rechargeable batteries is one more way that New York City strives to be a leader in environmental efforts. We are happy to play a role in this green movement by providing free and convenient battery collection sites through our Call2Recycle program at participating area retailers,” said Ralph Millard, executive vice president, RBRC. “We look forward to expanding Call2Recycle in the New York City area and helping more local retailers to institute their own free and easy-to-implement rechargeable battery recycling programs.”

In addition to meeting new legal requirements, the Call2Recycle program helps retailers to:

• Project a green image – Joining the Call2Recycle program demonstrates a retailer’s commitment to preserving the environment.
• Increase sales – Customers dropping off used batteries and cellphones often shop for replacements.
• Increase interaction – Increases face-to-face interaction with customers.
• Establish warranty control – Collecting used batteries and cellphones may deter customers from wanting a refund on a used battery.
• Enjoy free promotion – Each participating store will be listed on the Call2Recycle web site, www.call2recycle.org, and included on the toll free consumer helpline, 1-877-2-RECYCLE, that informs the public where to drop off their used rechargeable batteries and cellphones.
• Conserve natural resources – The primary components of rechargeable batteries can be reclaimed to make new products – stainless steel products and new rechargeable batteries. Cell phones are refurbished and resold when possible, and portions of the proceeds received from resale will benefit select charities.

Retailers interested in enrolling in the Call2Recycle program can visit www.call2recycle.org or call toll free 877-723-1297 to find out more about the program.

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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.