New Yorkers Recycle 22 Tons of Rechargeable Batteries

ATLANTA, GA--(Marketwire - December 15, 2009) - Call2Recycle®, the only free rechargeable battery and cell phone collection program in North America, has announced a significant increase in rechargeable battery collections throughout New York City. So far this year, more than 44,000 pounds of rechargeable batteries have been collected and recycled through the Call2Recycle program in New York City, a 13 percent increase over last year. The amount of batteries turned in is equivalent to about 12 standard taxi cabs.

Legislation enacted three years ago this month mandates rechargeable battery recycling throughout all five boroughs, and all city retailers that sell rechargeable batteries are required to collect used batteries 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 RBRC, which operates Call2Recycle. "By participating in this initiative, New Yorkers are helping to 'green' their city by keeping tons of solid waste out of landfills. This city is poised to set the precedent for battery recycling across the nation as more people become aware and decide to participate."

With the holiday shopping season in full swing, now is an important time for New Yorkers to remember the planet as an essential part of holiday gift-giving. The hottest items on gift lists this year include portable electronics and devices such as digital cameras, mp3 players, portable DVD players, handheld gaming devices, laptops and PDAs, which are often powered by rechargeable batteries. When replacing old gadgets with the latest technology, consumers should recycle the used rechargeable batteries in the obsolete devices. Call2Recycle collection boxes are available at participating retailers, businesses and public agencies throughout New York City. Consumers may visit call2recycle.org to find the nearest collection site in their neighborhood.

For more information, visit Call2Recycle on Facebook or Wikipedia.

About Call2Recycle

Call2Recycle® is the only free rechargeable battery and cell phone collection program in North America. Since 1994, Call2Recycle has diverted more than 50 million pounds of rechargeable batteries from local landfills and established a network of 30,000 recycling drop-off locations. Advancing green business practices and environmental sustainability, Call2Recycle is the most active voice promoting eco-safe reclamation and recycling of rechargeable batteries and cell phones. Call2Recycle is operated by the non-profit Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC). Learn more at call2recycle.org or 877.2.RECYCLE.

Contact Information: CONTACT: Dana Barka Call2Recycle 678-218-4577 dbarka@call2recycle.org Briana Papa Crenshaw Communications 646-484-4573 briana@crenshawcomm.com