Using rechargeable batteries is a simple step toward a greener lifestyle; so this Environment Week, try using them for the battery-powered devices in your home. Rechargeable batteries power many common portable electronics products including cellphones, cordless phones, cordless power tools, digital cameras, laptop computers, camcorders, PDAs, mp3 players, Blackberrys and remote control toys.
Rechargeable batteries can be charged up to 1,000 times. Depending on the frequency of use and how well the battery is handled and charged, that is equivalent to between two and five years of usage. This reduces how often you need to replace your batteries, a contributor toward reducing the amount of household waste you produce overall.
The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), a nonprofit, public service organization dedicated to recycling used rechargeable batteries, offers the following simple tips for maximizing the battery life of your cordless electronic products:
- Follow the charging guidelines provided by the manufacturer, as each individual product has a specific initial battery charging 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.
Rechargeable batteries can easily be recycled when they no longer hold a charge. RBRC’s Call2RecycleTM program is a free and convenient solution for recycling used rechargeable batteries and old cellphones. Consumers can simply drop their used rechargeable batteries and old cellphones in branded Call2Recycle collection boxes at participating retailers such as The Source by Circuit City, Canadian Tire, The Home Depot, Zellers, Sears and London Drugs. Call 1-877-2-RECYCLE or go to www.call2recycle.org for more information or to find a nearby collection site.
About Call2Recycle®
Call2Recycle is the industry’s first and only product
stewardship program for rechargeable batteries. The nonprofit program
is administered by the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation
(RBRC), a public service organization dedicated to rechargeable battery
recycling. There are more than 30,000 Call2Recycle drop-off locations
throughout the U.S. and Canada. More than 175 manufacturers
and marketers of portable rechargeable batteries and products show
their commitment to conserve natural resources and prevent rechargeable
batteries from entering the solid waste stream by funding the
Call2Recycle program. In pursuit of its mission, Call2Recycle also
collects old cellphones, which are either recycled or refurbished and
resold when possible with a portion of the proceeds benefiting select
charities. For more information, call 877-2-RECYCLE or visit www.call2recycle.org.
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