NYC Increases Battery Recycling by 13 Percent in 2009

With almost two weeks left in 2009, New York City has recycled 22 tons of rechargeable batteries this year, the volume of 12 standard taxi cabs.

New York City’s recycling efforts are monitored by Call2Recycle, which offers a collection program for rechargeable batteries and cell phones. The city has required any store that sells rechargeable batteries or the products that contain them to offer free take-back since 2006.

Celebrating its 15th anniversary, Call2Recycle passed the 50 million pound milestone for batteries recycled earlier this year. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com

Retailer collection programs are one of the specialties of Call2Recycle, which partners with retailers, including Best Buy, The Home Depot and Target, to provide a box for consumers to drop-off batteries.

To participate in the program, simply drop off rechargeable batteries or cell phones at any of the Call2Recycle locations. The program collects household batteries, phone and laptop batteries and even lead-acid batteries less than 11 pounds (car batteries are not accepted).

While nine states have passed laws banning rechargeable batteries from landfills, New York City and the state of California have passed the only laws requiring manufacturer take-back programs. This means that in four of the 10 largest cities in the U.S., you can purchase rechargeable batteries and know exactly where you can take them for recycling.

“New York City has demonstrated a consistent commitment to the environment, first by requiring battery recycling and then by subsequently growing collections year over year,” said Carl Smith, president and CEO of the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), which operates Call2Recycle. “This city is poised to set the precedent for battery recycling across the nation as more people become aware and decide to participate.”