Most cordless power tools and cell phones are powered by rechargeable batteries. But what should you do when the batteries no longer hold a charge? Rather than pitching them in the trash, protect the environment by recycling old batteries.
Leading the way is the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), a nonprofit, public-service organization. RBRC promotes the recycling of old cell phones and used portable rechargeable batteries found in many cordless electronic products such as cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, camcorders and two-way radios.
Can do better
Call2Recycle, which is RBRC's public education campaign and battery-recycling program, is the result of the industry's determination to conserve natural resources and prevent rechargeable batteries from entering the solid-waste stream. Since 1996, RBRC has collected more than 25 million pounds of rechargeable batteries, the weight equivalent to approximately 1,260 yellow school buses.
According to a recent RBRC survey, many homebuilders dispose of rechargeable batteries properly, with 44 percent indicating that they recycle used rechargeable batteries from their power tools when the batteries no longer hold a charge. However, the survey also found that close to 30 percent of homebuilders know that rechargeable batteries are recyclable, yet they do not recycle them.
“While most builders are aware that the batteries powering their cordless tools are recyclable and many currently recycle them, there is still a tremendous opportunity to boost recycling participation to include the majority of builders,” said Ralph Millard, executive vice president of RBRC. “This survey showed us that there is a gap between knowledge and practice, which can best be bridged by educating builders on their responsibility to the environment, and in some states, the law.”
What to do
RBRC assists businesses with the set-up and management of Call2Recycle and provides streamlined procedures for returning the recovered batteries and cell phones to recycling facilities. Enrolling in the program is free, as are the collection containers, freight, processing and actual recycling of used rechargeable batteries.
Consumers can deposit used rechargeable batteries into collection bins at home stores nationwide. Call2Recycle has teamed up with these retail participants: Batteries Plus, Lowe's, The Home Depot, Black & Decker, Sears and RadioShack.
For more information or to find the nearest participating drop-off location, visit www.call2recycle.org, or call (877) 2-RECYCLE.
Brad Spychalski is an Associate Online Editor for HANDY and the Associate Editor of The History Channel Magazine.