January 8, 2003—The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (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 in January 2003.
In 2001, RBRC omitted fees associated with its community recycling program. Starting in January 2003, 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.
Highlights of the restructured program include the following:
- 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 approximately 40 pounds of rechargeable batteries and is valued at $50 **
- RBRC will pay for all shipping, materials, processing and recycling costs
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 800/8-BATTERY or online .
