Study reports 6.4 percent increase in North American collection of rechargeable batteries

The nonprofit Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) announced Thursday that during the first six months of 2006, a total of 2.4 million pounds of rechargeable batteries were collected in the United States and Canada through the group’s Call2Recycle program. According to an RBRC press release, that figure marks a 6.4 percent increase over the same period last year. RBRC attributes this growth to greater retailer participation in the program, successful promotions, increased environmental awareness and California’s recently instituted Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act.