You probably have some questions about our rechargeable battery and cell phone recycling program. These are some of the most frequently asked…

Who is RBRC?

RBRC (Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation) is a non-profit, public service organization created by the rechargeable power industry and dedicated to the recycling of rechargeable batteries and cell phones. The RBRC public education campaign and rechargeable battery and cell phone recycling program - Call2Recycle™ - is the result of the industry's determination to conserve natural resources and prevent rechargeable batteries and cell phones from entering the solid waste stream.

How are the rechargeable batteries and cell phones recycled?

Retailers, businesses, communities and public agencies send the collected batteries and cell phones to a recycling facility for processing. A thermal recovery process reclaims the metals (nickel, iron, cadmium, lead, and cobalt) from the batteries and prepares them for use in new products such as new batteries and stainless steel. Cell phones are refurbished and resold when possible. All rechargeable batteries from cell phones are recycled. Portion of the proceeds received from the resale of phones will benefit select charities.

How do I know which rechargeable batteries can be recycled?

If it’s rechargeable, it’s recyclable! The following rechargeable battery chemistries can be recycled - Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium Ion (Li-ion), and Small Sealed Lead* (Pb). Rechargeable batteries are commonly found in cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, two-way radios, camcorders, and remote control toys. Look for the Battery Recycling Seals on the battery. The RBRC program does not accept alkaline or non-rechargeable batteries.

* weighing up to 2lbs/1kg per battery

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Does it matter if the cell phone is digital or analog? Do you take any brand of cell phone?

Any cellular phone and cellular phone rechargeable batteries are accepted in the Call2Recycle program. Any size, make, model, age of phone, digital or analog, with or without battery or charger will be accepted. However, household cordless phones, mobile installed or bag phones, two-way radios, walkie-talkies, and pagers cannot be included for recycling.

What happens to the personal data on my cell phone after I recycle it? Can new calls made on my old phone be charged to my account?

Before recycling your old cell phone, RBRC encourages you to terminate your service and erase your personal data.  Instructions on how to clear the phone's memory of contacts and other stored information can be found in the product manual.  If your phone has a SIM card, remove it.  Check with your wireless provider for assistance if needed.  If you're recycling your old phone because you're upgrading to a new model, please ask your new cell phone provider to erase the data and deprogram your old phone.

Can I still recycle my battery if it does not have the seal on it?

Yes. As long as it's a Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, Li-ion or Pb rechargeable battery. Most batteries will have the chemistry listed on the battery pack.

Where can I recycle my used rechargeable batteries and old cell phones?

Use our collection site locator, or call the consumer helpline, 1-800-8-BATTERY or 1-877-2-RECYCLE, to find the retail collection site nearest you.

In the U.S.: Alltel, AT&T, Batteries Plus, Best Buy, Black & Decker, Circuit City, DeWalt, The Home Depot, Lowe's, Milwaukee Electrical Tool, Office Depot, Office Max, Orchard Supply, Porter Cable Service Centers, RadioShack, Remington Product Company, Sears, Staples, Target, US Cellular, and Verizon Wireless.

And in Canada: Battery Experts, Battery Plus, Bell World, Black & Decker, Canadian Tire, FIDO, The Home Depot, Home Hardware, London Drugs, Makita Factory Service Centers, Personal Edge/ Centre du Rasoir, Sears, The Sony Store, The Source by Circuit City, Staples, Telus Mobility and Zellers.

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Why should I recycle rechargeable batteries and cell phones?

Consumers use an average of six wireless products in their day-to-day lives. The average cell phone is replaced (or upgraded) every 18 to 24 months. That's a lot of rechargeable batteries and cell phones. When it's time to retire your old cell phones or replace your rechargeable batteries, don't forget to recycle them. You'll help preserve natural resources and keep discarded products out of landfills.

Do you recycle car batteries?

No. Automotive batteries are not accepted in the RBRC program. Please contact the car battery manufacturer, battery retailer or auto service center for information on recycling automotive batteries.

Can alkaline (non-rechargeable) batteries be recycled?

RBRC only recycles rechargeable, dry cell batteries. The good news is in 1996, U.S. legislation was signed that required alkaline manufacturers to phase out the use of mercury in their batteries. For more information about alkaline battery recycling, please contact the alkaline industry or your local community solid waste department.

What other countries are involved?

The United States & Canada are the only countries involved in the RBRC Call2Recycle™ program.

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Whom should I contact for more information regarding public relations or media materials?

Manager of Marketing & Media Relations, Linda Gabor, (678) 419-9990, or e-mail corporate@rbrc.com

How can businesses, communities and public agencies get involved?

RBRC offers recycling plans for business, communities and public agencies. For more information or to sign up, visit the relevant page on this web site.

Why should I participate in the Call2Recycle™ program?

A federal law, the Mercury Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act, requires manufacturers and marketers of Ni-Cd batteries and products powered by these batteries to provide a collection and recycling program for Ni-Cds. In addition, various states have passed laws regarding the disposal of Ni-Cd and Small Sealed Lead batteries. The state of California and city of New York each have requirements for recycling all rechargeable batteries. California also mandates cell phone recycling.

How does a portable product or battery manufacturer get involved in the program?

To become a RBRC licensee, go to Licensee Sign Up. Becoming a RBRC licensee requires the support of all these rechargeable battery chemistries: Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, Li-ion, and Pb.

How is the program funded?

Members of the rechargeable battery and portable electronic product industry funds rechargeable battery recycling through the licensing of RBRC's Battery Recycling Seals. Cell phone recycling is partially funded by the resale of refurbished cell phones.

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How many licensees are participating?

More than 350 licensees, representing 90% of the portable rechargeable power industry, are actively involved in the battery recycling program.

Are there any weight limits or other restrictions on batteries?

Small Sealed Lead (Pb) batteries are subject to a maximum individual battery weight of 2 pounds or 1 kilogram. There are no shipment weight limits in the United States. In Canada, any single shipment, regardless of the number of containers used, must not exceed 500 kilograms.

How can a program participant get replenishment collection boxes and support materials?

When a participant fills their box up and ships it to the recycling center, RBRC automatically sends new collection boxes and support materials (allow 2-3 weeks for delivery). However, should a participant need additional materials, visit our online order forms (depending on recycling plan), fax in orders toll free to (877) 405-6082 or call toll free at (877) 723-1297.

Who do I contact if I have any program questions?

Email: recycling@rbrc.com or call RBRC toll free at (877) 723-1297 with questions about the program, to sign up, or to order program materials.

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How will consumers know where to recycle their used portable rechargeable batteries and old cell phones?

RBRC's public education campaign promotes the web site and consumer help line, 1-800-8-BATTERY and 1-877-2-RECYCLE, on TV, radio and in print advertising. By typing in a zip or postal code, consumers can access the database containing all participating retailers and community sites. If a retailer or community is signed up with the program, the drop off location will be listed.

Are there any charges for participating in the program?

The program is absolutely free for consumers, retailers, communities, public agencies and businesses.

Why should retailers become a rechargeable battery and cell phone collection site?

• More sales – Customers dropping off used batteries and cell phones can shop for replacements.
• Increased interaction – Increases face-to-face interaction with customers.
• Pro-environment image – Projects an informed, environmentally-conscious image of your store.
• Warranty control – Collecting used batteries and old cell phones may deter customers from wanting a refund.
• Free exposure – Store will be listed on our web site and 800 number informing the public where to drop off their used rechargeable batteries and old cell phones.
• Conserve natural resources – Primary components of rechargeable batteries can be reclaimed to make new products – Stainless steel products and new rechargeable batteries.
• Meet state legal requirements – Some states may require varying levels of retail participation in the recycling of rechargeable batteries.

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How many pounds of portable rechargeable batteries and cell phones will a collection container hold?

Typically, the small collection box will hold 20 lbs. or 10 kg of batteries and cell phones. Larger boxes hold 40 lbs. or 20 kg.
In Canada, the total weight of a single shipment of rechargeable batteries, regardless of the number of containers used, is 500 kilograms. There is no shipment weight limit in the United States.

How are the program materials set up in the participating retail store?

• Read all the information included in the collection kit.
• Place container in an area that is visible, but inaccessible to customers.
• When contacting RBRC for customer service, reference the RBRC ID number - located beneath the bar code on the white label - affixed to the back of the box.
• RBRC tracks the collection container shipments to the recycling facility to ensure you always have replacement containers.

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