ATLANTA, May 19, 2009 – Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial kick-off of the summer season, when Americans will pack their bags and embark upon annual getaways. Despite the economy, the American Automobile Association (AAA) forecasts that Memorial Day travel will increase this year, with 32.4 million Americans traveling to mark the holiday weekend. To make these trips as enjoyable as possible, portable electronics such as digital cameras, mp3 players, portable DVD players, laptop computers, PDAs and handheld gaming devices are among the necessary items to bring on these excursions. The rechargeable batteries in these products should be properly charged in order to maximize the battery life of the device and ensure that no moment of summer fun is missed.
Rechargeable batteries are an environmentally-friendly power source that offer consumers up to 1,000 charges before they need to be replaced. Depending on the frequency of use and how well it is handled, a rechargeable battery can last for up to five years – which means less consumption and less household waste production. When rechargeable batteries no longer hold a charge, Call2Recycle®, the nation’s most comprehensive rechargeable battery and cellphone recycling solution, provides a free and convenient way to properly dispose of them.
Call2Recycle offers consumers the following simple tips to help maximize the life of rechargeable batteries in portable electronics:
- Always follow the charging guidelines provided by the manufacturer. There are specific recommended charging times for each individual product that should be followed before the product is used 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.
- Never place a non-rechargeable battery in a battery charger.
- Do not leave a rechargeable battery in the charger when it is not charging.
- Let a discharged battery cool to room temperature before recharging.
- Recharge batteries only when they are close to being fully discharged.
“Gadgets and portable electronics help us stay connected when on the road, provide entertainment and capture the special moments of a vacation,” says Carl Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC). “The battery life of these devices can be maximized by properly caring for and charging the rechargeable batteries, but when they eventually lose their charge, consumers should properly dispose of them by recycling.”
Administered by the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC),
Call2Recycle is the nation’s most comprehensive rechargeable battery
and cellphone recycling solution. It offers a free and convenient way
to recycle old cellphones and used rechargeable batteries found in
cordless electronic products, such as laptop computers, digital
cameras, PDAs, cordless power tools, two-way radios, mp3 players and
camcorders. For more information and to find local drop-off locations,
visit www.call2recycle.org or call toll-free 877-2-RECYCLE. Find Call2Recycle on Facebook; learn more about Call2Recycle on Wikipedia.
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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