The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) and Comtrex Communications can help you recycle your portable rechargeable batteries (Read the Press Release).

These batteries are commonly found in cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, camcorders, digital cameras, and remote control toys. RBRC and Comtrex recycles the following battery chemistries: Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium Ion (Li-ion) and Small Sealed Lead (Pb, weighing less than 2 lbs./1 kg)
 
How the Program Works
 

1. Complete the Sign-up forms and fax to Comtrex at 1-416-352-5141. Comtrex will have RBRC deliver collection boxes that include pre-paid, pre-addressed shipping labels, safety instruction and plastic bags for each used battery
  D O W N L O A D :: Signup Form
   

2. Once a collection container is full, call in the courier from the shipping label, and it will be picked up and shipped to the recycling facility. Shipping costs are covered by RBRC
 
What Happens to the Recycled Material?
 
Some recovered materials will be used to make new products – the cadmium is used to make new batteries, while the nickel and iron are used to make stainless steel products.
 
Recycling Guidelines
 
Storage and Packaging:
 
Containers should be stored in a cool, dry place away from flammable materials and heat sources. The following three storage containers will serve as appropriate shipping containers
 
Drums
Rechargeable batteries may be packaged in Department of Transportation (DOT), vented, non-metal or lined steel drums (or equivalent). Drums should be full and banded or shrink wrapped to pallets for handling by forklifts. Mark “used batteries for recycling ”, "nonspillable" and the start accumulation date on drums while in storage.
 
Boxes
Rechargeable batteries should be packaged in DOT cardboard boxes or equivalent (double-walled boxes are recommended). Please ensure that the container is sufficiently strong and durable to contain the batteries. Seal the cartons with packing tape. Mark “used batteries for recycling” and "nonspillable" on boxes. Each box should weigh less than 70 pounds. A 12” x 12” x 8” box will hold approximately 50 pounds of rechargeable batteries. Secure shipments of boxes weighing 150 pounds or more to pallets for handling by a forklift.
 
RBRC Boxes
Every business participant can request collection kits from RBRC at no cost. In the U.S., each kit contains 2, 4 or 8 pre-paid, pre-addressed collection boxes that come pre-assembled and includes built-in plastic bag dispenser with bags. In Canada, each kit contains 2, 5, or 10 boxes. Your company will be included in our automatic replenishment system to receive more boxes. Therefore, there is no need to contact RBRC after the initial kit.
 
RBRC Authorization Labels
RBRC Authorization Labels for Shipping in Non-RBRC Containers
If your company will ship used rechargeable batteries in non-RBRC containers, please request free authorization labels to adhere to non-RBRC collection containers. There labels assist in routing of collection containers when received at the recycling facility.

Your company is not required to sort batteries according to chemistries; however, pre-sorted containers will be greatly appreciated.

Please note: There are no weight limits for shipments in the United States. In Canada, any single shipment, regardless of the type or number of containers used, must not exceed 500 kilograms. For both the U.S. and Canada, all battery terminals must be insulated by either inserting individual batteries into separate bags or covering the terminals with an insulating tape. Canadian shipments cannot use a generic Bill of Lading. Only RBRC supplied or approved labels and Bills of Lading or waybills should be used in Canada. For Canadian requests, a shipping label template will also be included for use with non-RBRC shipping containers.

UPS may charge a service fee for ARS pick-ups scheduled by calling the UPS 800 number. To decrease or avoid these charges, we recommend that you (1) hold containers until a UPS delivery is made to your location, or (2) ship more than one container at a time.
 

Safety Guidelines:
A depleted battery that is ready to be discarded may appear to be no longer useful, but can still contain a residual charge. Certain precautions must be taken to prevent batteries from short-circuiting. Package batteries using the following guidelines.

  1. Place each rechargeable battery into an individual plastic bag provided. Remove plastic strip from top of bag, fold down and seal.
  2. Place each cell phone and its battery into an individual plastic bag. Seal bag!
  3. Place plastic, non-conductive electrical tape over the terminals. This will prevent contact between terminals or other metals surfaces during storage and transport.

THE PROGRAM DOES NOT ACCEPT ALKALINE, LITHIUM PRIMARY, NON-RECHARGEABLE OR RECHARGEALBE WET CELL BATTERIES!
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