RBRC Helps Retailers Comply with Battery Recycling Legislation
Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation Press ReleaseFlashlightNews.org - 11/30/2006
Call2Recycle™ battery recycling program is available to all New York City retailers at no cost
RBRC Spokesman Richard Karn
NEW YORK, N.Y. - The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), a non-profit public service organization dedicated to recycling rechargeable batteries and cell phones, today announced that it will support New York City retailers in their efforts to comply with the requirements of the “New York City Rechargeable Battery Recycling Ordinance” (Introductory Number 70-A). RBRC executives, local New York City Council Members Michael McMahon, Kendall Stewart and Gale Brewer and Department of Sanitation Commissioner John Doherty met today to celebrate the new law at a press conference at the Flatotel in Midtown Manhattan, where they also participated in a ceremonial rechargeable battery donation.
This law, effective December 1, 2006, prohibits the disposal of rechargeable batteries as solid waste, and requires all New York City retailers that sell rechargeable batteries and products that contain them to collect used batteries. To meet the terms of the new law, free programs must be made available to consumers for returning the used rechargeable batteries found in many commonly used electronic devices (such as digital cameras, laptop computers, cordless power tools, pagers, cordless phones and cell phones) for reuse, recycling or proper disposal. RBRC's Call2Recycle(TM) program, the most comprehensive nationwide rechargeable battery and cell phone recycling program, gives all retailers the ability to do just that. Call2Recycle features more than 300 locations in New York City, where consumers can drop off used rechargeable batteries and old cell phones at no cost.
"As one of the greenest cities in the country, mandating the proper disposal of rechargeable batteries is one more way that New York City strives to be a leader in environmental efforts. We are happy to play a role in this green movement by providing free and convenient battery collection sites through our Call2Recycle program at participating area retailers," said Ralph Millard, executive vice president, RBRC. "We look forward to expanding Call2Recycle in the New York City area and helping more local retailers to institute their own free and easy-to-implement rechargeable battery recycling programs."
In addition to meeting new legal requirements, the Call2Recycle program helps retailers to:
- Project a green image – Joining the Call2Recycle program demonstrates a retailer’s commitment to preserving the environment.
- Increase sales – Customers dropping off used batteries and cell phones often shop for replacements.
- Increase interaction – Increases face-to-face interaction with customers.
- Establish warranty control – Collecting used batteries and cell phones 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 included on the toll free consumer helpline, 1-877-2-RECYCLE, that informs the public where to drop off their used rechargeable batteries and cell phones.
- Conserve natural resources – The 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, and portions of the proceeds received from resale will benefit select charities.
Retailers interested in enrolling in the Call2Recycle program can visit www.call2recycle.org or call toll free 877-723-1297 to find out more about the program.
About RBRC
The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) is a nonprofit, public service organization dedicated to rechargeable battery and cell phone recycling. There are over 30,000 retail, business, and community collection locations that participate in RBRC’s rechargeable battery recycling program. RBRC is funded by more than 300 manufacturers and marketers of portable rechargeable batteries and products. RBRC’s public education campaign and recycling program is the result of the rechargeable power industry’s commitment to conserve natural resources and prevent cell phones and rechargeable batteries from entering the solid waste stream. Cell phones collected through the Call2Recycle™ program will be recycled or refurbished and resold when possible with a portion of the proceeds benefiting select charities. Contributions or gifts to RBRC are not tax deductible.
For more information, call 1-877-2-RECYCLE or visit www.call2recycle.org.