Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) Releases New Data on Consumers’ Recycling Habits and “Green” Attitudes; the “Fairer Sex” May Also Be the “Greener” Sex
NEW YORK, April 20, 2006 – The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), a non-profit dedicated to rechargeable battery and cellphone recycling, today announced the results of a new survey about Americans’ environmental or “green” attitudes.
The survey, which was conducted by GfK NOP on behalf of RBRC, shows that many Americans (42%) plan on personally doing something to show their support for Earth Day this year. Of these respondents, over 26% said that they are going to be participating in a local park clean-up or tree planting. Another 14% said that they plan on recycling their used rechargeable batteries and old cellphones, while approximately 6% said that they are going to make a donation to a “green” charity.
When asked what activities are the most important for saving the environment year-round, 40% of respondents believe recycling paper, plastic and other recyclables on a regular basis is the most important. 18% put conserving water at the top of their list, while 17% think that driving a hybrid car is the answer.
“We are pleased to see that consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the necessity to adopt “greener” habits,” said Ralph Millard, RBRC Executive Vice President. “In addition to the survey results, our overall collection numbers show that more and more Americans are recognizing the importance of recycling when it comes to rechargeable batteries and cellphones.”
In fact, the survey reveals a drastic increase in cellphone recycling with 15% of this year’s respondents reporting that they recycle their old cellphones, versus only 3.2% last year. Many Americans (37%) admit to holding on to their cellphones once they buy a new one, which can add up quickly, since over 43% of American cellphone users replace their cellphone about every two years and roughly 20% replace their cellphones every year.
In addition to cellphones, Americans use an average of six wireless electronic products in their day-to-day lives, and over 16% of consumers own and use ten or more wireless products. These products, which include iPods, laptop computers, PDA’s, digital cameras, cordless power tools, electric toothbrushes, and camcorders, are all powered by rechargeable batteries.
“As the list of wireless products powered by rechargeable batteries continues to grow, so does the need to recycle the rechargeable batteries inside them,” said Millard. “Our program, Call2Recycle, is set up to make recycling rechargeable batteries and cellphones easy and convenient for all consumers – at any of our 30,000 collection locations across North America.”
Additional survey findings include:
- Women appear to be the “greener’ of the sexes, since 25% of men admitted that they were less likely to recycle than their significant other. Women also recognized their greener attitudes, with 67% of female respondents reporting that they were more likely than their significant other to recycle.
- Over 40% of those surveyed replied that they considered themselves the “greenest” member of their family. Mom was considered greener than Dad, with 11% of respondents selecting her over Dad (who was selected by only 5% of respondents).
- Over 93% of those surveyed would be more likely to recycle their old cellphones and used rechargeable batteries if there were a convenient drop-off location at a store near them.
RBRC’s Call2Recycle, the nation’s most comprehensive cellphone and rechargeable battery recycling program, features more than 30,000 convenient collection locations across the nation where consumers can drop off used rechargeable batteries and old cellphones. Since 1995, RBRC has collected more than 31 million lbs. of rechargeable batteries. Consumers looking for more information on how to recycle their used rechargeable batteries and old cellphones are encouraged to call 1-877-2RECYCLE or visit www.call2recycle.org.
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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