TORONTO, December 7, 1998 – Federal Minister of the Environment, Christine Stewart, has recognized the efforts of the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation’s (RBRC) recycling program for used Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries through RBRC’s inclusion in the EcoAction Network of Environment Canada.
This recognition acknowledges the proactive and voluntary action of the RBRC in developing and successfully implementing Charge Up to Recycle!, the nationwide program for the collection and recycling of used Ni-Cd batteries. Financially supported by over 275 corporations in the rechargeable power industry, RBRC’s Charge Up to Recycle! program provides easy access for households across Canada to Ni-Cd battery recycling.
“Significant environmental results have been achieved across the country and I am most pleased that the efforts of the RBRC have been brought to my attention,” declared Minister Stewart. “I encourage consumers across Canada to take advantage of the program.”
The RBRC Charge Up to Recycle! program is the only battery management program of its kind in Canada. Available to all Canadians, consumers can take their used Ni-Cd battery to any of the more than 3,000 retail outlets who serve as collection sites for the RBRC program. Participating retailers include: Astral Photo Images, Authorized Motorola Dealers, Battery Plus, Black’s Photography, Canadian Tire, RadioShack Canada, Zellers, Personal Edge and Centre du Rasoir.
Consumers can find the locations nearest them by calling RBRC’s helpline, 1-800-8-BATTERY, or by visiting RBRC’s website at www.rbrc.org. Once collected at the retail location, the RBRC arranges for the transportation of the used Ni-Cd batteries to the recycling facility for processing. Recognized to be the “best demonstrated available technology” for recycling Ni-Cd batteries, the nickel and iron residues from the batteries are recovered and used in stainless steel products while the recovered cadmium is used in the production of new Ni-Cd rechargeable batteries.
“It is an honour that the efforts of the RBRC are being recognized by Environment Canada’s EcoAction Network,” said Ralph Millard, Executive Vice President, RBRC. “The goal of the RBRC is to divert 100% of used Ni-Cd batteries from the solid waste stream. Thanks to the involvement of our many supporters, including Environment Canada, we hope to accomplish this objective.”
Charge Up to Recycle! is an international environmental program created to recycle rechargeable Ni-Cd batteries, commonly used in consumer and business cordless products. Charge Up to Recycle! has two objectives. First, to educate rechargeable power users about the benefits and accessibility of Ni-Cd battery recycling; second, to implement recycling programs where none exist. The Program is managed by Rechargeable Battery Recycling in Canada (RBRC), an organization created by the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation of Gainesville, Florida. RBRC’s goal is to recycle small, sealed Ni-Cd batteries in Canada, thereby conserving the earth’s natural resources and preserving our environment. The EcoAction Network was established by Environment Canada to create public awareness for positive environmental actions taken by Canadians. The network’s objective is to demonstrate how people are contributing to a healthier environment – and thereby encourage others to take similar actions right across the country.
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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.
JUN