The nonprofit Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp. (RBRC) reported the collection of almost 5 million pounds of rechargeable batteries in the U.S. and Canada in 2005, an increase of nearly 10 percent from 2004.
Since the beginning of 2005, RBRC has experienced an increase in participation among national retailers, businesses, communities and licensee recycling programs to set up convenient drop-off facilities for used rechargeable batteries and cell phones. In 2005, community participation increased 18 percent while public agency participation increased 38 percent. Participation by businesses also increased significantly by 26 percent, which can be attributed at least in part to RBRC's waiving of all associated participation fees in 2005.
"The rise in rechargeable batteries collected points to the increased demand for having an 'unplugged' lifestyle," said Ralph Millard, Executive Vice President, RBRC. "RBRC conducted a survey in 2005 that found that respondents use an average of six cordless products every day, as compared to three in 1999. This means there are even more rechargeable batteries out there that can and should be recycled."
"We would like to recognize all of our 300-plus licensees and the 30,000-plus retailers, businesses and communities that that have helped us develop new and innovative ways to make it easy to recycle used rechargeable batteries and old cell phones," said Millard. "It is through their commitment that we are able to continue to spread the message about the importance of rechargeable battery and cell phone recycling.
