The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) Reports Increase In Collection Numbers

Commitment to Environment Greater than Ever in 2004

ATLANTA, February 14, 2005 -The nonprofit Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) today announced its collection data for 2004, reporting more than 4.4 million pounds of rechargeable batteries in the U.S. and Canada, an increase of 7.7 percent from 2003. In addition, RBRC’s Call2Recycle cellphone and rechargeable battery collection program has collected more than 48,000 cellphones since its launch in April 2004.

Since 2003, RBRC has experienced an increase in participation with national retailers, businesses, communities and licensee recycling programs to set up convenient drop-off facilities for used rechargeable batteries and cellphones. In 2004, community participation increased 19 percent while public agency participation increased an astounding 39 percent, which can be attributed at least in part to RBRC waiving all associated fees for program participation.

Consumer interest also peaked in 2004 with more than 575,000 hits for both Web sites combined, an overall 31 percent increase from last year. In addition to logging on, consumers also inquired via the existing 1-800-BATTERY help line, with calls up 8 percent over last year; in addition the new Call2Recycle (1-877-2-RECYCLE) help line averaged over 1,000 calls per month since its inception.

“We are pleased to see that not only our partners’ interest, but also the interest of consumers in general continues to grow in response to an unplugged lifestyle,” said Ralph Millard, RRBC Executive Vice President. “The numbers show that everyone is thinking “greener” than ever.”

Highlights from 2004 include:

  • Launch of Call2Recycle cellphone recycling program. Call2Recycle all-in-one cellphone and battery collection boxes were shipped to 30,000 participating retailers. Through Call2Recycle, portions of the proceeds from refurbished phones benefit national charities such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
  • Launch of RBRC’s Call2Recycle Web site, which provides a comprehensive database for consumers can use to find the nearest location to recycle their rechargeable batteries.
  • Cell phone recycling fees waived for Public Agency program. Hospital, police and fire departments no longer pay for the shipping of rechargeable batteries collected from mission critical equipment.
  • Launched National Cell Phone Recycling Week. Celebrated partnership between RBRC and RadioShack to encourage consumers to recycle their old cellphones at RadioShack locations to benefit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC.)
  • Recipient of 2004 Silver Inkwell Award. Presented by the Washington D.C. chapter of International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) for “Freedom” and “Cordless Cool” PSA’s in recognition of high quality work in the field of business communication.

” We would like to thank all of our 300-plus licensees and the 30,000-plus retailers, businesses and communities that serve as collection points for used rechargeable batteries and old cellphones,” said Millard. “It is through their commitment that our program has continued to grow.”

For more information or to find the nearest participating drop-off location, call
1-877-2-RECYCLE or go online at 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.

 

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