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Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation Reports Increase in Collection Numbers

ATLANTA, January 5, 2006 –The nonprofit Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) today announced its collection data for 2005, reporting the collection of almost 5 million pounds of rechargeable batteries in the U.S. and Canada, an increase of nearly 10 percent from 2004.

Since the beginning of 2005, RBRC has experienced an increase in participation among national retailers, businesses, communities and licensee recycling programs to set up convenient drop-off facilities for used rechargeable batteries and cellphones. In 2005, community participation increased 18 percent while public agency participation increased 38 percent. Participation by businesses also increased significantly by 26 percent, which can be attributed at least in part to RBRC’s waiving of all associated participation fees in 2005.

“The rise in rechargeable batteries collected points to the increased demand for having an ‘unplugged’ lifestyle,” said Ralph Millard, Executive Vice President, RBRC. “RBRC conducted a survey in 2005 that found that respondents use an average of six cordless products every day, as compared to three in 1999. This means there are even more rechargeable batteries out there that can and should be recycled.”

Highlights from 2005 include:

• All associated fees waived for businesses. Businesses need no longer pay for the shipping of rechargeable batteries and cellphones collected at the workplace. Once registered, participants receive a free shipment of collection boxes that includes pre-paid shipping, pre-addressed shipping labels, safety instructions and plastic bags for each used rechargeable battery and cellphone.
• Recipient of the 2005 Outstanding Sustainable Style Achievement (OSSA) Award. Presented by the Sustainable Style Foundation, RBRC was recognized with an award in the category of “Industrial Design & Consumer Products” for its national Call2Recycle™ program. The OSSA awards honor individuals or firms for exceptional and exemplary work in the sustainable design of consumer goods, automobiles or technology.
• Recipient of the “Industry Steward of the Year” award at the 7th Annual Mobius Environmental Awards presented by the Nova Scotia Resource Recovery Fund Board (RRFB Nova Scotia). The Mobius Environmental Awards are given in recognition of Nova Scotians who have made a significant contribution toward protecting the environment.
• Rollout of new public service announcements (PSAs) featuring RBRC spokesperson Danny Seo. Titled “Recycling Magic,” environmental activist and leading eco-stylist Danny Seo starred in three spots encouraging young Americans to live a “greener” and more eco-friendly lifestyle. The 30 and 15 second spots aired May through September 2005 on the HGTV and TLC networks. Step-by-step tip sheets of Seo’s creations are available on the RBRC Web site at www.call2recycle.org.
• The second installment of the RBRC testimonial ads featuring Karin Zarin, Executive Director of Keep Sandy Springs/North Fulton Beautiful, incorporating “testimonial” remarks on their successes with the RBRC recycling program and to encourage other community leaders to explore and execute “responsible recycling” efforts of their own.

“We would like to recognize all of our 300-plus licensees and the 30,000-plus retailers, businesses and communities that that have helped us develop new and innovative ways to make it easy to recycle used rechargeable batteries and old cellphones,” said Millard. “It is through their commitment that we are able to continue to spread the message about the importance of rechargeable battery and cellphone recycling.

For more information or to find the nearest participating drop-off location, call
1-877-2-RECYCLE or go online at www.call2recycle.org.

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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.