The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation announced this week that it will now provide its Call2Recycle rechargeable battery and cell phone recycling program to businesses nationwide completely free of charge.

Businesses interested in enrolling can visit the Call2Recyle Program webpage or call toll free 877-723-1297 to find out more about the program.

Once registered, participants will receive a free shipment of collection boxes that includes pre-paid shipment, pre-addressed shipping labels, safety instructions and plastic bags for each used rechargeable battery and cell phone.

The federal Universal Waste Rule prohibits handlers (including contractors) from disposing Ni-Cd and lead batteries and requires that they be recycled.

The Call2Recycle Program collects and recycles used rechargeable batteries found in products such as cordless power tools, two-way radios, cell phones, laptop computers, bar code readers, portable printers, and PDAs.

Through RBRC's recycling network, reusable metals from Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Lithium Ion (Li-ion), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) and Small Sealed Lead (Pb) batteries are recovered and recycled to make new products such as new batteries and stainless steel.

Any cell phone is accepted for recycling, regardless of the size, make, and model,

digital or analog, with or without the battery or charger. Cell phones are recycled or refurbished and resold when possible, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting national charities such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

In addition to meeting federal and state legal requirements, the RBRC's Call2Recycle Program helps businesses to:

· Project a green image - Joining the Call2Recycle program demonstrates the business's commitment to preserving the environment.

· Conserve natural resources - Primary components of rechargeable batteries can be reclaimed to make new products. Cell phones are refurbished and resold when possible. Portions of the proceeds received from resale will benefit select charities.

Since 1994, RBRC has collected over 26 million pounds of rechargeable batteries. Consumers can find the nearest participating drop-off location by going online to the RBRC webpage or calling 1-877-2-RECYCLE or 1-800-8-BATTERY.

5/20/2005