Call2Recycle tops new collection record in 2014

SPOKANE (Scrap Monster): The battery stewardship organization Call2Recycle’s collection of batteries and cellphones in the US and Canada has created new record in 2014. A total of nearly 12 million pounds of materials were collected during the year. This is the eighteenth consecutive year that the organization has reported increased collection figures.

The Canadian battery recycling totals exceeded the 2013 figures during the initial ten months of 2014. The collection rates grew in all provinces. The provinces of B.C, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec recorded two-digit collection growth in 2014 when compared with the previous year. In the US, California emerged as the leader, collecting more than 1 million pounds of batteries during the year. According to Call2Recycle, the robust growth in collection figures indicates that the people in both the countries are increasingly aware about the benefits of safe recycling of these products which contain toxic chemicals.

The manufacturing industry played a significant role in boosting collection rates through participation in Call2Recycle’s industry stewardship program.

According to Call2Recycle more batteries remain in end-of-life products which need to be properly recovered and processed. It called upon States to implement legislation that makes battery recycling mandatory. Furthermore, it stated that the organization would continue its efforts to educate the public on the ease and importance of battery recycling.

Call2Recycle is a non-profit organization that recycles the collected batteries & cellphones into a variety of re-usable products and materials to eliminate hazardous waste from being landfilled. Since 1996, Call2Recycle program has diverted more than 75 million pounds (35 million kg) of rechargeable batteries from local landfills. Call2Recycle has a wide network of 30,000 participating sites throughout the U.S. and Canada.