Resource Spotlight

Call2Recycle

Call2Recycle® is the only free rechargeable battery and cell phone collection program in North America. Since 1996, Call2Recycle has diverted 70 million pounds of rechargeable batteries from the solid waste stream and established a network of 30,000 public collection sites. 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. Founded in 1996, Call2Recycle is operated by the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), a non-profit organization. Call2Recycle is funded by product manufacturers across the globe committed to environmentally-sound recycling of rechargeable batteries and cell phones. These manufacturers place the RBRC recycling seal on their rechargeable products and batteries, informing users that they are recyclable.

How the Call2Recycle Program Works

Step #1: Batteries and Cell Phones Collected at Collection Sites

Collection sites throughout the U.S. and Canada accept rechargeable batteries and cell phones for recycling from their employees or the public. There is no cost to recycle. Simply drop off at any Call2Recycle collection location. Businesses, retailers, communities, and public agencies can participate and recycle for free. You can choose to collect only from your staff or collect from the public. Sign up to become a Call2Recycle collection location.

Step #2: Collection Locations Ship Batteries and Cell Phones to Recycling Facility

Collection sites ship batteries and cell phones for free to contracted sorting and recycling facilities. Collection sites setup with Call2Recycle’s collection kit will automatically receive additional kits and materials when their inventory runs low. They also offer bulk shipping options.

Step #3: New Products Are Born

Precious metals recovered from used batteries create new batteries and stainless steel products. Cell phones are recycled, refurbished and/or resold. When resold, a portion of the proceeds are donated to select charities. None of the broken down material makes its way into landfills. Since Call2Recycle was created in 1996, 70 million pounds has been diverted from being landfilled.

Safe Transportation

Call2Recycle® works closely with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to ensure safe collection and recycling of rechargeable batteries collected by the program by:

  • Regularly providing program participants with safety updates to maintain DOT compliance

  • Communicating to program participants and supporters about safety regulations through newsletters, print materials, webinars and e-updates.

The DOT also audits INMETCO, to ensure collection containers from program participants are packed and labeled according to guidelines. The program earned a 95 percent compliance rate during the last DOT audit. The goal is to reach 100 percent and Call2Recycle will continue educational efforts about safety and shipping.

How to Participate

More than 30,000 U.S. and Canadian retailers, businesses, communities and public agencies participate in the Call2Recycle program. The benefits include:

  • Rechargeable batteries and cell phones* are properly and safely recycled at no charge to you (cell phones in good condition are refurbished and resold)

  • An easy and free way to keep toxic waste from entering landfills and give reclaimed materials a second lift

  • Free collection kits and marketing materials to promote your sustainability efforts

  • Free shipping (Collection Kit or Bulk)

  • Choice to collect from the public to increase foot traffic

  • Free recycling reporting and certification

Battery and/or product manufacturers—Licensees or Industry Stewards—have united to ensure that the materials (batteries and products containing batteries) they are introducing into the marketplace are responsibly recycled when they reach their end of life.  These Licensees/Industry Stewards financially support the Call2Recycle program through the licensing and placement of battery seals on their batteries and/or battery-powered products. The benefits are:

  • Producer Responsibility: demonstrates your commitment to environmentally-sound recycling of batteries.

  • Regulatory Solution: fulfills manufacturers’ recycling requirements in the U.S. and Canada, including compliance with state, provincial and federal regulations, including The Battery Act

  • Simplicity: allows manufacturers to manage complexities by supporting one program

From www.call2recycle.org. For more information, visit the Web site or call (877) 723-1297.

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