It’s On! The Call to Recycle 1 Million Pounds of Batteries

Despite a down economy, battery recycling is at an all-time high. According to Call2Recycle, battery recycling collection saw a 6.9 percent increase, and Call2Recycle collected 6.1 million pounds of rechargeable batteries in 2009. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com

Yesterday, Call2Recycle officially launched its nationwide campaign to recycle 1 million pounds of batteries by October 1.

The organization is asking consumers to scour their homes and rid their attics, junk drawers and storage spaces of all used rechargeable batteries and cell phones and bring them to any of Call2Recycle’s 30,000 public drop-off locations.

According to the U.S. EPA, more than 350 million rechargeable batteries are purchased annually in the U.S., and recycling is mandated by law due to their makeup of heavy metals and contamination threats.

“We have collected more than 55 million pounds of rechargeable batteries since our program launched in 1996, but too many used batteries are still going to landfills,” said Carl Smith, president and CEO of Call2Recycle.

“Millions of batteries are not recycled, primarily because people don’t know that they can be recycled or where to take them for recycling. Our goal with the MyCall2Recycle campaign is to collect 1 million pounds of batteries between now and October 1, by making everyone in the U.S. and Canada aware of the free battery recycling locations in their area; and educating businesses on the advantages of becoming a free battery collection spot.”

Along with dropping off spent batteries at a recycling location, consumers can also spread the word by participating in an online video contest. Call2Recycle is asking its viewers, “What is your call to recycle?” Participants are asked to share their own green stories and inspiration for staying on the eco path.

But don’t think that time spent brainstorming, storyboarding, filming and uploading will go to waste. The first 100 people to upload a video will receive a free eco tote bag. Plus, participants will also be entered to win free cutting-edge gadgets.

Along with partnering with major retailers Lowe’s, RadioShack, DeWALT and Staples to build awareness of the importance of battery recycling, Call2Recycle will also host major collection drives in Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago and San Diego on September 20-26.

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