Atlanta-based Call2Recycle Inc., North America’s first and largest product stewardship organization managing the only no-cost battery and cellphone collection program, reported that its collections increased 5 percent during 2015 to a record 12.6 million pounds (5.7 million kilograms). Enhanced awareness contributed to record-breaking battery collections in the United States and Canada, the organization says.
“Our battery recycling results are directly linked to the vital support of our program participants, consumers and key constituents,” says Carl Smith, CEO and president of Call2Recycle. “Without their environmental commitment, we would not be able to continue collecting and arguably become one of the most successful recycling programs in North America.”
This marks the 19th consecutive year the organization has generated a year-over-year increase (since collections began in 1996) in the volume of batteries diverted from landfills and recycled. Call2Recycle says it ensures that these items, which contain valuable resources, are responsibly recycled to create new batteries and other products, keeping potentially hazardous materials from entering the waste stream.