Call2Recycle®, the nation’s first and largest consumer battery collection and recycling program, is proud to recognize America Recycles Day® (ARD), a Keep America Beautiful® national program This nationally-recognized day, celebrated on November 15, acknowledges the importance of recycling and how it contributes to a better planet for all. In its 23rd year, ARD empowers the occasional recycler to become an everyday recycler.
“Recycling goes beyond separating our paper and plastic. The common cordless devices in our home – like power tools, laptops, cell phones, and even toothbrushes – contain a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that also needs to be safely stored and recycled,” said Carl Smith, CEO & President, Call2Recycle.
With the impact of the ongoing pandemic, Call2Recycle sees ARD as an opportunity to further educate consumers on the importance of battery recycling and encourage them to become environmental stewards while at home. “America Recycles Day is a great time for consumers, manufacturers, and their families to become more engaged and re-commit their efforts to living a more sustainable lifestyle,” continued Smith. “While many industries have faced declining sales during COVID-19, the use of home electronics and the batteries to power them continues to go up. This is a trend that requires all of us to be more responsible with their end-of-life management.”
To celebrate, Smith offers three things the everyday recycler can do today to reduce their waste and properly recycle their batteries today:
Participate in a Pandemic-proof Recycling Program: “Due to COVID-19, people may be leaving their homes less, which can contribute to an accumulation of materials that can and should be recycled,” says Smith. “If you can’t take your batteries to a collection location, Call2Recycle offers battery recycling kits that can be ordered and used as an easy, safe way to recycle old batteries or battery-contained devices without leaving the home. People can learn more about available products here.”
Prolong Use and Promote Re-use: “Consider replacing your devices’ batteries instead of buying an entirely new device. And make sure that you follow the manufacturers’ recommendations on how to best care for your batteries to extend their life. When you have dead batteries, you can drop them off at a participating collection location. The batteries will be responsibly recycled and used to make new products, such as batteries.
Just because you’re done with them, doesn’t mean that the environment can’t benefit from it,” says Smith. “The materials reclaimed from your old batteries helps preserves our natural resources and avoids mining for new, rare metals.”
Learn How to Handle Batteries Safely: “If you aren’t able to recycle your batteries, make sure they’re stored safely,” says Smith. “You can do so by individually bagging them or taping the positive terminals and then storing in a non-metal container. Do not throw your batteries in the trash or recycling bin to prevent fires and keep people and property safe.”
As 2021 approaches, Call2Recycle is excited to expand its battery recycling solutions and build upon the 130 million pounds of batteries that have been responsibly recycled since its inception in 1994.