Call2Recycle program is available to all Maine retailers at no cost
ATLANTA, January 2, 2008 – The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), a non-profit public service organization dedicated to recycling rechargeable batteries and cellphones, is helping retailers in Maine meet the requirements of the state’s new “Cell Phone Recycling Law” that went into effect on January 1. The new legislation requires that any retailer who sells cellphones in the state of Maine must also collect used cellphones for recycling and post a notice that is clearly visible to customers indicating that old cellphones are accepted free of charge.
Through RBRC’s free and convenient recycling program, Call2Recycle, retailers can achieve full compliance with the new law almost immediately. Call2Recycle is the most comprehensive nationwide rechargeable battery and cellphone recycling program, and is a simple and economical way for retailers to make cellphone recycling available to their customers. Call2Recycle features more than 50,000 collection sites across the nation, including more than 275 locations in Maine, where consumers can drop off used rechargeable batteries and old cellphones at no cost.
RBRC makes participation in the program virtually effortless for retailers, providing a free shipment of collection boxes that includes pre-paid, pre-addressed shipping labels, safety instructions and plastic bags for each used rechargeable battery and old cellphone. Once the box is full, retailers simply seal it and put it in their regular UPS shipments; RBRC takes care of the rest.
“Making available a cellphone recycling program like Call2Recycle is an easy and immediate way for retailers to be more environmentally conscious, and to help their customers adopt a simple, green practice by encouraging them to recycle old cellphones and used rechargeable batteries,” said Norm England, CEO and President, RBRC. “We will continue to support our participating retailers in Maine who are already enrolled in the program and look forward to assisting more local retailers as they institute their own free and easy cellphone and rechargeable battery recycling programs.”
In addition to meeting new legal requirements, the Call2Recycle program also helps retailers to:
- Provide recycling reports – RBRC has a comprehensive reporting structure to provide detailed recycling reports that show the number of pounds collected per each location.
- Project a green image – Joining the Call2Recycle program demonstrates a 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 be included on the toll free consumer helpline, 1-877-2-RECYCLE, informing the public where to drop off their used rechargeable batteries and cellphones.
- Conserve natural resources – 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. Portions of the proceeds received from resale will benefit select charities.
Retailers interested in enrolling in the Call2Recycle program or finding out additional information can visit www.call2recycle.org or call toll free 877-723-1297
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.
JAN