Call2Recycle battery recycling collection hits new record in 2015

By Paul Ploumis (ScrapMonster Author)

January 20, 2016 02:10:37 AM

LOS ANGELES (Scrap Monster): Atlanta-based product stewardship organization, Call2Recycle Inc. has reported record collections during the year 2015. The battery recycling collection during the year totaled 12.6 million pounds, rising by 5% when compared with the collection during 2014. This is the 19th straight year that the organization has reported year-on-year rise in collection volumes. The surge in collection volume is primarily attributed to enhanced consumer awareness in both Canada and the US.

According to a press release, 7.1 million pounds of batteries were collected during 2015. The Great Lake states recorded highest year-over-year growth of 12%. Mountain regions also reported 11% growth in collections in 2015. Also, California reached an important milestone by reporting battery collection in excess of 1 million pounds for the fifth consecutive year.

The collections totaled 5.5 million pounds in Canada. Most Canadian provinces have reported big jump in battery collection rates, on the back of strong commitment from retailers and municipalities and increased participation by consumers. British Columbia reported 36% jump in collection over the previous year, collecting nearly 1.4 million pounds during the year.

Call2Recycle presently has close to 30,000 collection locations across North America. Almost 90% of residents in the US and Canada has access to Call2Recycle’s public drop-off locations within a distance of 10 miles. The organization had signed battery recycling pacts with nearly 11 companies in Vermont during last year, which has contributed significantly to the rise in collection volume.

Call2Recycle, Inc. (Call2Recycle) is North America’s premier product stewardship organization dedicated to minimizing the environmental impacts of products in the marketplace. Operating across the U.S. and Canada, its marquee battery recycling program Call2Recycle® is the oldest and largest consumer battery stewardship program. Collecting and recycling batteries for retailers, municipalities, businesses and consumers through its network of collection sites, over 100 million pounds of batteries and cellphones have been diverted from the solid waste stream.