FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Who is RBRC?
The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) is a non-profit, public service organization created by the rechargeable power industry and dedicated to the recycling of rechargeable batteries. In pursuit of its mission, RBRC also collects old 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 much does it cost to participate in the program?
There is no cost to participate in RBRC’s Call2Recycle program. It is absolutely FREE for consumers, retailers, communities, public agencies and businesses. RBRC-supplied materials are free of charge, and provide for safe, efficient rechargeable battery and cell phone collection. Materials provided include the collection boxes and plastic bags in which to place individual rechargeable battery, or cell phone with battery, into a separate bag to ensure safe storage and shipping.

If there’s no cost, then how is the program funded?
Members of the rechargeable battery and portable electronic product industry fund the rechargeable battery recycling program through the licensing of RBRC’s Battery Recycling Seals – these are called our licensees. Cell phone recycling is partially-funded by the resale of refurbished cell phones.

What types of 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), Nickel Zinc (Ni-Zn), 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. The RBRC program does not accept alkaline, lithium, non-rechargeable, or wet-cell batteries.
* weighing up to 2lbs/1kg per battery

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, Black & Decker, Circuit City, DeWalt, The Home Depot, Lowe's, Milwaukee Electrical Tool, Office Depot, OfficeMax, 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.

Where are the Call2Recycle recycling containers located in retail stores?
Due to the different size and layouts of each retailer, the location of the Call2Recycle boxes can vary by each retailer and/or store. If you have trouble locating it, we suggest that you ask an employee, or the customer service desk for assistance.

Are there any safety guidelines that must be followed when dropping off my rechargeable batteries?
To minimize any safety risks, before dropping your rechargeable batteries or cell phones into the collection box, please place each individual rechargeable battery, or cell phone with battery, into a separate plastic bag. If plastic bags are unavailable at the collection location, you can cover the battery terminals with tape (electrical, duct, or masking). Remember: ONE rechargeable battery or ONE cell phone with battery, per bag.

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, such as Boys & Girls Clubs of America and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in the United States; and Kids Help Phone in Canada.

What are the recycled materials from the rechargeable batteries and old cell phones made into?
All of the materials collected through the Call2Recycle program are recycled and used to create other types of materials, including new batteries and scrap metal. None of the material broken down from the recycling of rechargeable batteries and cell phones makes its ways into the landfills.

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.

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 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, or you can visit http://www.recellular.com/recycling/data_eraser/default.asp for a free data eraser. 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 rechargeable battery if it does not have the seal on it?
Yes. If it’s rechargeable, it’s recyclable! As long as it's a Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, Li-ion, Ni-Zn, or Pb rechargeable battery. Most batteries will have the chemistry listed on the battery pack.

Why is it important to recycle rechargeable batteries and cell phones?
Consumers use an average of six wireless products in their day-to-day lives, and the average cell phone is replaced (or upgraded) every 18 to 24 months. That's a lot of rechargeable batteries and cell phones, so we want to make sure that they are properly disposed of and don’t end up in our landfills. Remember - when it's time to retire your old cell phones or replace your rechargeable batteries – Recycle Them! You'll help preserve natural resources and keep discarded products out of landfills.

How do I get the most out of my cordless electronic products’ rechargeable batteries?

Follow the charging guidelines provided by the manufacturer. There are specific initial battery charging times for each individual product before using it for the first time.
Never return a fully-charged battery to the charger for an extra boost. This will shorten the life of the battery.
Let a discharged battery cool to room temperature before recharging.
Recharge batteries only when they are near to fully discharged.

What other countries are involved?
The United States & Canada are the only countries involved in RBRC’s Call2Recycle program.

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.

Is it illegal to throw away my rechargeable batteries in the regular garbage?
Yes - if you live in California or New York City. In California all batteries have been prohibited from every solid waste stream in the state. In New York City, no person shall knowingly dispose of rechargeable batteries as solid waste at any time in the city of New York. But, even if you don’t live in these two areas, the freedom to go unplugged comes with a responsibility. Since rechargeable batteries contain metals that can be reclaimed and used in new products, it makes sense…recycle them rather than throw them away where they can end up in our landfills.

Is it illegal to throw away my cell phones in the regular garbage?
Yes - if you live in New York, Maine, or California it is unlawful to dispose of cellular phones in regular household garbage. You can comply with these laws by recycling your cell phones at any one of RBRC's national retailers.

Where can I donate my old computer and other electronic products?
Now that you’ve answered the Call2Recycle by recycling your rechargeable batteries and cell phones, you may be wondering what to do with your old electronic products? Visit Earth911.com to help you figure out what and where you can recycle by entering a product and your location.

Does RBRC provide postage-paid envelopes to mail my rechargeable batteries in for recycling?
Due to specific shipping guidelines, RBRC is unable to facilitate a mail-back rechargeable battery program. However, over 40,000 retail locations are enrolled in the Call2Recycle program, so visit our site locator to find a participating retailer closest to you.

How many pounds of rechargeable batteries has RBRC collected?
Since 1996, RBRC has collected over 42 million pounds of rechargeable batteries in the U.S and Canada.

PARTICIPANT-SPECIFIC QUESTIONS

How can retailers, businesses, communities and public agencies get involved?
RBRC offers free recycling plans for retailers, businesses, 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, New York, and Maine also mandate cell phone recycling.

How much does it cost for my company to participate in the program?
There is no cost to participate in RBRC’s Call2Recycle program. RBRC-supplied materials are free of charge, and provide for safe, efficient rechargeable battery and cell phone collection. Materials provided include the collection boxes and plastic bags to place individual rechargeable battery, or cell phone with battery, into a separate bag to ensure safe storage and shipping. RBRC pays all shipping and recycling costs.

How many companies fund RBRC’s recycling program?
More than 350 members of the rechargeable battery and portable electronic product industry fund RBRC’s rechargeable battery recycling program – our licensees. These licensee companies represent 90% of the portable rechargeable power industry and are actively involved in the battery recycling program.

How does a portable product or battery manufacturer get involved in the program?
To become an RBRC licensee, go to Licensee Sign Up. Becoming an RBRC licensee requires the support of all these rechargeable battery chemistries: Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, Li-ion, Ni-Zn , and Pb.

How do licensees register to receive collection boxes?
If you are a licensee and would like to receive collection boxes, please visit the Licensee Sign Up page, where you can register or order collection boxes.

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 many pounds of portable rechargeable batteries and cell phones will a collection container hold?
Typically, the small collection box will hold up to 20 lbs. or 10 kg of batteries and cell phones. Larger boxes hold up to 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.

Where can I obtain program safety and shipping guidelines?
RBRC has many tools available to emphasize the important safety requirements that must be followed when shipping used rechargeable batteries for recycling under the Call2Recycle™ program. Please visit the safety guideline page located on our web site for links to our safety and shipping training video, webinar, and guidelines. RBRC very much appreciates your support of the program.

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 to customers.
When the collection container is full, ensure that each battery is placed in its own individual bag or terminals are covered with non-conductive tape, and seal.
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.

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 as an active collection site for the general public. Public agency or business participants are not listed.

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.

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.

Whom should I contact for more information regarding public relations or media materials?
Director of Marketing & Media Relations, Linda Gabor, (678) 419-9990 ext. 216, or e-mail corporate@rbrc.com

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.