Legislation, consumer efforts contribute to collection of 6.7 million pounds of rechargeable batteries
ATLANTA (Jan. 18, 2011) –Call2Recycle®, North America’s only free battery and cellphone collection program, today announced a record-breaking 10.1 percent increase in its overall rechargeable battery collections in 2010. Through its network of more than 30,000 retail, municipal and business partners across the U.S. and Canada, Call2Recycle collected more than 6.7 million pounds (3 million kilograms) of rechargeable batteries during the year.
In the U.S., Call2Recycle’s collection sites in California, Texas and Florida collected the largest amount of rechargeable batteries, with 932,882 pounds, 530,582 pounds and 373,802 pounds, respectively.
In Canada, battery recycling efforts soared by more than 81 percent, due in large part to Call2Recycle’s July 1 expansion in British Columbia and Ontario to include the collection of all household batteries. The broadened collection capabilities were designed to accommodate recycling requirements set forth in new legislation in those provinces.
British Columbia’s total collections increased by nearly 420 percent, with more than 43,000 kilograms of rechargeable batteries and slightly more than 96,000 kilograms of primary batteries collected in the province. In Ontario, battery recycling efforts increased by 59 percent, with collections of more than 139,000 kilograms of rechargeables and more than 75,000 kilograms of primary batteries.
“The battery recycling landscape is changing, with the enactment of legislation in Canada and the consideration of new legislation in other areas,” said Carl Smith, president and CEO of Call2Recycle. “That, coupled with the strength of our 2010 results and a heightened awareness among industries and the public of the importance of recycling the items we use, inspires confidence in our performance for 2011 and beyond.”
Throughout North America, healthcare and public agencies saw a 106 and 32 percent increase in battery recycling respectively. Also in 2010, consumer battery recycling efforts through retailers and communities surged by 17 percent.
To learn state state or province specific collection data, please contact Call2Recycle.
About Call2Recycle®
Call2Recycle® is the only free battery and cellphone collection program in North America. Since 1994, Call2Recycle has diverted more than 60 million pounds (27 million kilograms) of rechargeable batteries from local landfills and established a network of 30,000 recycling drop-off locations. Advancing green business practices and environmental sustainability, Call2Recycle is the most active voice promoting eco-safe reclamation and recycling of rechargeable batteries and cellphones. Learn more at call2recycle.org, call2recycle.ca or 877.723.1297 Become a follower or fan at twitter.com/call2recycle or facebook.com/call2recycle.
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