By Paul Ploumis (ScrapMonster Author)

March 09, 2016 12:28:12 AM

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster):  Atlanta-based Call2Recycle has reported significant improvement to battery recycling rates during the previous year. According to the battery stewardship organization, its 2015 collections totaled nearly 12.6 million pounds. This is the nineteenth consecutive year that the collections have reported year-on-year increase. Call2Recycle had entered into partnerships with various retailers, businesses and municipalities during the year, which helped them to achieve the high recycling collection rates.

According to Call2Recycle, it celebrated the National Battery Day in 2015 for the first time in its history. It had partnered with companies such as Best Buy, Lowes, Staples and Home Depot to create awareness about battery recycling among consumers. The number of unique visitors to its website surged higher by over 90%. The dramatic increase in collection of primary batteries is partly attributed to the promotions carried out in connection with the National Battery Day.

Call2Recycle, in partnership with the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources had recently launched single-use battery recycling program. During the initial two-month period of the year, the collection of primary and rechargeable batteries have surged higher five-folds. According to Carl Smith, CEO and president of Call2Recycle Inc., it has newly launched a campaign called ‘Green Vantage’ to reach out to municipalities in establishing battery recycling solutions. It also plans to expand the Box-in-a-Box program across the US.

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. Operating across the U.S. and Canada, its marquee battery recycling program Call2Recycle® is the oldest and largest consumer battery stewardship program. Since its inception in 1994, it has collected around 110 million pounds of batteries.