Free Battery Recycling Offered To Public Agencies
Rechargeable battery recycling will be made available to public agencies free of charge under a new program from the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC).
The RBRC, a non-profit public service organization dedicated to recycling rechargeable batteries, has announced that any public agency that wishes to participate in its “Charge Up to Recycle!” battery recycling program may do so free of charge beginning this month.
In 2001, RBRC omitted fees associated with its community recycling program. Starting this month, the program will be available at no charge to public agencies as well. This includes federal, state and local governmental agencies, public hospitals, police and fire departments, and military institutions.
Since RBRC lifted its participation fees for communities, they have seen an increase in program participation of 21 percent.
“The reaction from the community to providing a free recycling program has been extremely positive. Offering the program free of charge to public agencies is the next step in helping to recycle as many rechargeable batteries as possible,” said Ralph Millard, executive vice president, RBRC.
“While so many public programs, including those involving recycling, are getting either cut or reduced significantly, the RBRC program is growing and expanding,” Millard added. “Even more important – the public does not have to absorb any costs associated with implementing the program.”
RBRC will handle the collection of all small portable rechargeable batteries, including nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH), lithium ion (Li-lon) and small sealed lead (Pb) rechargeable batteries. RBRC will provide two or five box collection kits at no cost–each box holds about 40 pounds of rechargeable batteries and is valued at $50.
RBRC will pay for all shipping, materials, processing and recycling costs.
More than 700 public agencies in the United States and Canada now take part in the Charge Up to Recycle! (R) program. These agencies are in addition to the over 30,000 retail locations and over 700 community programs across the U.S. and Canada participating in the RBRC program.
Rechargeable batteries are found in a wide range of portable electronic products, including cellular and cordless phones, two-way radios, camcorders, laptop computers and cordless power tools.
Consumers can find the nearest rechargeable battery drop off location by calling 1-800-8-BATTERY or by going online at www.rbrc.org .
Provided by theEnvironmental News Service.
