There are many battery-recycling solutions available to the public. In everyday life, it can be easy to overlook the problem caused by not recycling batteries. For example, just imagine how many cell phones Americans will go through in the next few years. Most of the time, those used cell phones will end up in trashcans and make their way to landfills without being properly disposed. This is a problem because of the hazards that decaying batteries can pose to our environment. As a consumer, it is important to take advantage of the convenient, and often free, battery-recycling programs available.
In 1996, a non-profit battery recycling program called, Call2Recyle was established as the only free battery-recycling program in North America and since then has recycled over 70 million pounds of batteries in an effort to remove batteries from landfills and reduce pollution caused by the improper disposal of batteries. The way it works is quite simple; collection sites associated with the Call2Recycle program collect used and spent batteries from anyone at zero cost. Any organization can sign up to be a collection site, so if you are a retailer, consider it. The places that collect spent batteries will then send the collection to recycling facilities also associated with Call2Recycle. Call2Recycle will provide the recycling sites with kits designed to make sorting the batteries easy. In addition, the spent batteries are salvaged for metals and other products that can either create new batteries or other every day products.
Other battery recycling programs offer low cost options to recycle your spent batteries and used electronics. Another program is the Big Green Box. This is another simple option that doesn’t require you to leave the comfort of home. Simply order the kit, put your used electronics inside, and ship it back.
Please do your part and recycle your unwanted electronics and used batteries. Even though you may not see direct results, rest assured you are contributing to a cleaner environment.
