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If you're unfamiliar with Call2Recycle, it's time to get acquainted—the stellar organization recycled 7 million pounds of your used batteries last year. Battery recycling is something most of us don't do enough of, and this program's good work is filling an invaluable niche in the recycling world.
In order to get everyone up to speed on Call2Recycle, I reached out to Carl Smith, the CEO of Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (the company behind the program). What follows is an interview that covers how you can use Call2Recycle, the factors behind its success, and what lies on the horizon for the recycling world.
How would someone unfamiliar with the concept of battery recycling use Call2Recycle? What's the first thing he/she should do?
Carl Smith: The great thing about Call2Recycle is that it's a simple and free way to embrace cutting edge technology while doing your part to preserve the environment. The first thing someone should do is log onto www.call2recycle.org and see what products contain rechargeable batteries - chances are, he/she has several of these products lying around the house including cell phones, cordless phones, cordless power tools, mp3 players, PDAs, digital cameras and camcorders, two-way radios; and/or a stash of old rechargeable batteries in the back of a closet or junk drawer. Also on the site, consumers can search by zip code for the nearest Call2Recycle drop-off location in their area. There are tens of thousands of convenient collection locations throughout the U.S. and Canada.
How does he/she stay involved in the program?
CS: Many retailers have embraced in-store recycling programs as part of their corporate green initiatives. Consumers can simply bring their used rechargeable batteries and old cell phones with them to local retailers that have embraced Call2Recycle as part of their environmental efforts, such as Staples, Sears, Best Buy, The Home Depot, RadioShack, Lowe's and many more. While shopping for new products or replacement rechargeable batteries, they can drop their used rechargeable batteries in the Call2Recyclecollection box located in the store. There are tens of thousands of participating retailers that are enrolled in the program and will accept the rechargeable batteries for free recycling.
Any business or community can become involved in the program. Call2Recycle offers free recycling plans for retailers, businesses, communities and public agencies. There is no cost to participate in the Call2Recycle program—all materials are free of charge (collection boxes and in-store signage) and Call2Recycle pays all shipping and recycling costs. For more information or to sign up, visit Call2recycle.org.
Why do you believe Call2Recycle had such a successful year in 2008, and was able to recycle almost 7 million pounds of batteries?
CS: More than anything, continuous support and ongoing involvement from our retail, consumer and community partners has helped us grow our collection efforts year over year. They are our recycling evangelists, encouraging the proper disposal of batteries. Particularly as more attention is paid to the disposal of electronic waste, the Call2Recyclesolution stands out as a viable means of handling rechargeable battery disposal.
What are your goals for 2009?
CS: This year, we'll continue to spread the Call2Recycle message and educate people on the importance of recycling rechargeable batteries through grassroots community outreach. Seeking to significantly expand the amount of batteries we recycle, we hope to foster new relationships with other like-minded environmentally responsible organizations, such as our partnership in 2008 with Earth911.com that leverages the site's reputation as an environmental resource to promote rechargeable battery recycling. We will work to enroll new participants in the program that will help to provide consumers with a convenient way to recycle rechargeable batteries. We will also strive to enhance relations with our existing partners through grassroots outreach and involvement at the community level.
Is Call2Recycle still evolving? What other projects or services are on the horizon?
CS: We are consistently enrolling new retail, business and community partners in the Call2Recycleprogram and are working to involve new partners and enhance the effectiveness of our existing initiatives with current participants. We also envision more collaborative efforts with the electronics and primary battery communities on a coordinated approach to recycling. We have several promotional events planned including an Earth Day activity planned with DeWalt and a program with RadioShack. Through events, community outreach and partnerships, we will increase our voice in product stewardship and actively promote other green initiatives that go beyond rechargeable battery recycling. Call2Recycle will also work to spread its message to target vertical audiences, working with facility managers at hospitals and universities to help them provide a safe, free and convenient way to dispose of their hazardous waste.
