Charge Up To Recycle! � Now More Convenient to Recycle Used Rechargeable Batteries

Changes to the Charge Up To Recycle! program now make it more convenient for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to recycle used rechargeable batteries. The program has expanded to include additional rechargeable chemistries, as well as more retail and community drop-off locations in the province. The announcement was made today by Susan Antler, Canadian program coordinator, Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) at an event at the Avalon Mall, St. John�s. Environment Minister Ralph Wiseman, Andy Wells, mayor, City of St. John�s, and Stan Glynn, manager, Radio Shack Avalon Mall also attended the event.

"The province of Newfoundland and Labrador was the first jurisdiction in Canada to approve the Charge Up To Recycle! program in 1997, and it is exciting to see the program grow and expand. We are looking forward to encouraging other provinces and cities across the country to take the same kind of recycling action," said Susan Antler.

Initially only accepting nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd) rechargeable batteries, the Charge Up To Recycle! program now accepts, nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH), lithium ion ( Li), and small sealed lead (Pb) rechargeable batteries commonly found in cellular phones, laptop computers, camcorders, power tools, cordless phones, and children�s toys. In Newfoundland and Labrador, consumers can drop-off used rechargeable batteries at a number of retail locations including Radio Shack, Canadian Tire, Future Shop, and NewTel Mobility. There is no charge for disposing of batteries at any of these locations.

In addition to retail locations, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the City of St. John�s have introduced programs to enable employees to recycle used rechargeable batteries.  At a ceremony this morning at the Confederation Building, Environment Minister Ralph Wiseman launched the rechargeable battery stewardship program for provincial government employees. With collection boxes distributed to all government offices throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, government employees now have an easy and convenient way to participate in the program.

The City of St. John�s launched a similar program for its employees in April setting up collection sites at a number of city buildings including, City Hall, Public Works Depot, fire stations and the scale house at the Robin Hood Bay landfill site.

"Recycling programs are a great way to help our environment by reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill sites. Participating in this program diverts rechargeable batteries from landfill sites which in turn keeps harmful by-products out of those sites, and I encourage everyone to recycle their used rechargeable batteries," said Minister Wiseman.

"I am very pleased to see that the battery recycling program has been expanded to include other types of rechargeable batteries and I hope consumers take advantage of the opportunity to recycle these products. The general public may also drop off their used rechargeable batteries at the Robin Hood Bay landfill scale house during regular landfill hours," said Mayor Wells.

The Charge Up To Recycle! program is operated by RBRC, a non-profit service organization funded by more than 300 manufacturers and marketers of portable rechargeable batteries and products. These companies are committed to preserving the environment and pay a fee to place the RBRC Battery Recycling Seal on rechargeable batteries and product packaging. RBRC�s public education campaign and battery recycling program is the result of the rechargeable power industry�s commitment to conserve natural resources and prevent rechargeable batteries from entering the solid waste stream. For more information, visit www.rbrc.org.

Media contact:

Susan Antler RBRC, (416) 535-9210
Diane Keough Department of Environment, (709) 729-2575
Gerri King City of St. John�s, (709) 576-8613.

2001 07 04                                                     1:10 p.m.