Who is the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC)?
RBRC is a non-profit, public service organization dedicated to providing rechargeable battery and cell phone recycling to consumers, retailers, businesses, communities and public agencies throughout the contiguous U.S. and Canada. RBRC’s Call2Recycle® program offers a convenient, no cost and environmentally sound means for recycling used portable rechargeable batteries and old cell phones.
What rechargeable batteries are included in the recycling program?
Small, dry cell rechargeable batteries eligible for collection and recycling are:
- Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd)
- Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)
- Lithium Ion (Li-ion)
- Nickel Zinc (Ni-Zn)
- Small Sealed Lead (Pb)*
*weighing less than 11 lbs/5 kg each.
Rechargeable batteries power cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, camcorders, two-way radios and digital cameras. All types of cell phones are accepted - any size, make, model, digital or analog. We do not recycle household cordless phones, mobile installed or bag phones, two-way radios, or pagers.
RBRC DOES NOT ACCEPT the following types of batteries:
- Alkaline, Lithium, and other Non-Rechargeable Batteries
- Wet Cell (such as vehicle or motor cycle)
- Small Sealed Lead Acid weighing more than 11 lbs/5 kg each
What does the program cost?
There is no cost to participate in the Call2Recycle program. Call2Recycle-supplied materials are free of charge, and provide for safe, efficient rechargeable battery and cell phone collection. Materials include 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.
IMPORTANT: Call2Recycle’s shipping policy requires that each individual rechargeable battery, or cell phone with battery, must be placed into a separate bag (or terminals taped) to ensure safe storage and shipping. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH SHIPPING GUIDELINES MAY LEAD TO A DISRUPTION IN RECYCLING SERVICES.
How does the program work?
The program is easy and it’s free. Here’s how it works:
(1) Register online at www.call2recycle.org (preferred) or by faxing or mailing the registration form
- On the order form select free Call2Recycle collection containers or supply your own approved containers. For larger quantities, use drums.
- You will receive the initial collection kit in 2-3 weeks.
(2) Start collecting used rechargeable batteries and cell phones.
(3) Ship collected rechargeable batteries and cell phones via ground services to Call2Recycle's recycling or consolidation facilities.
(4) Rechargeable batteries are recycled, and metals reclaimed are used to make new products; cell phones are recycled or refurbished and resold when possible, with a portion of the proceeds from resale of phones benefitting select charities.
What is included with the Call2Recycle boxes, and how are the boxes shipped to the recycling facility?
Each box includes an affixed, pre-paid, pre-addressed UPS/FedEx (approved accounts only) or Purolator (Canada) shipping label, safety instructions, and plastic bags. Please make note of Call2Recycle site ID number printed on collection box shipping label, as you will need to reference that number when contacting Call2Recycle. Each box holds up to approximately 20 or 40 pounds of rechargeable batteries and cell phones (size determined upon sign-up). The address to which the batteries and cell phones will be shipped to is already printed on the shipping label, so all you have to do is write your return address on the shipping label and securely seal the box. Add the full, sealed collection container to your daily outgoing UPS/FedEx or Purolator pickup or take to it to a local UPS/FedEx or Purolator drop-off center.
Will Call2Recycle pay the shipping if we use non-Call2Recycle containers?
Yes! Although Call2Recycle offers free collection containers, for bulk quantities, you may use DOT-approved, non-Call2Recycle containers. After ensuring that the container is sufficiently strong and durable to contain the batteries and cell phones: (1) Verify that each rechargeable battery, or cell phone with battery, is placed into a separate bag. If bags are unavailable, cover battery terminals with tape (electrical, duct, or masking). Failure to comply with Call2Recycle shipping guidelines may lead to a disruption in recycling services; (2) For UPS or other ground shipments, include your Site ID# on each shipping container and on the shipping labels and documents. Fax shipping documents and invoices toll-free to 877-405-6082, or email scanned images to customerservice@call2recycle.org, with those shipments noted and your Site ID#; and (3) For palletized bulk shipments, in the U.S. please call the Call2Recycle Customer Service Department toll-free at 877-723-1297; in Canada call toll-free 888-224-9764 for shipping instructions.
How to obtain more collection boxes and how does the auto replenishment system work?
When the pre-determined number of Call2Recycle boxes has been scanned at the recycling facility, the automatic replenishment system will generate an order to ship to your location. Please allow up to 3 weeks transit time for the return of your boxes to the recycling facility and the replenishment order delivered to your location. Remember to notify Call2Recycle of any changes in shipping address or contact information by calling (In US): 877-723-1297, or email customerservice@call2recycle.org; (In Canada): 888-224-9764, or email info@rbrc.ca.
What is an Call2Recycle site ID number?
A site ID number is issued to each participant upon signing up into the program. This ID number is site-specific to the address used for the sign-up, and is used for tracking and auto replenishment services. Please do not share your site-specific boxes with other locations. Your site ID number will be printed on labels on Call2Recycle collection boxes you receive. Please reference that number when contacting Call2Recycle.
Are there any weight limits on rechargeable batteries?
*Small Sealed Lead (Pb) batteries are subject to a maximum individual battery weight of 11 pounds or 5 kilograms. In the United States there are no total shipment weight limits. In Canada, if you are shipping from a province outside of Ontario, you must not ship over 500 kg per day, unless you are registered with the Ministry of Environment and have a license # to note on the shipping manifest. If you are shipping within Ontario, there is no per day weight limit and you may ship on a Bill of Lading.
IMPORTANT: In both the U.S. and Canada, before you seal the container for shipping, you must verify that each individual rechargeable battery, or cell phone with battery, is placed into a separate bag to ensure safe storage and shipping. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH SHIPPING GUIDELINES MAY LEAD TO A DISRUPTION IN RECYCLING SERVICES.
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