Corporation Provides Solution For Retailers Seeking To Comply With CA's Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act

Call2Recycle™ rechargeable battery recycling program is available to all California retailers at no cost

Atlanta, GA — The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), a nonprofit public service organization dedicated to recycling rechargeable batteries and cell phones, has announced that it is standing by to help California retailers of rechargeable batteries meet the requirements of the new "Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act of 2006" (A.B. 1125), effective July 1.

The new legislation requires retailers who sell rechargeable batteries in the state of California to provide consumers with a free system for returning these batteries for reuse, recycling or proper disposal. Batteries that must be collected include small, non-vehicular Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium Ion (Li-ion), and Sealed Lead-Acid (Pb) rechargeable batteries, or battery packs containing such batteries. Rechargeable batteries are commonly found in portable electronics products such as: power tools, cordless phones, laptop computers, camcorders, digital cameras, and cell phones.

Through RBRC's free and easy recycling program, Call2Recycle™, retailers can fully comply with the new law almost immediately. The Call2Recycle program is the most comprehensive nationwide rechargeable battery and cell phone recycling program, and features more than 30,000 collection locations across the nation, including 4,695 locations in the state of California, where consumers can drop off used rechargeable batteries and old cell phones.

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 to 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 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 be included on the toll free consumer helpline, 1-877-2-RECYCLE, informing the public where to drop off their used rechargeable batteries and cell phones.
• 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.

"All of us at RBRC are ready and willing to assist California retailers of rechargeable batteries with implementing a rechargeable battery collection program of their own," said Ralph Millard, Executive Vice President, RBRC. "Our Call2Recycle program offers the perfect vehicle for companies to meet the new requirements, while helping to preserve the environment at the same time."

Retailers interested in enrolling in the Call2Recycle program can visit www.call2recycle.org.

SOURCE: The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation