New Yorkers recycling batteries at higher rate than 2008

Dec. 15 -- Folks in New York City are recycling rechargeable batteries at a higher rate than last year, according to Call2Recycle, a rechargeable battery and cell phone collection program.

Rechargeable battery recycling is mandated in all five of the city´s boroughs and more than 44,000 pounds have been collected so far this year through the Call2Recycle program.

That´s a 13% increase over last year and enough batteries to fill 12 taxis, the program said.

"New York City has demonstrated a consistent commitment to the environment, first by requiring battery recycling and then by subsequently growing collections year over year," said Carl Smith, president and CEO of Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp, which operates Call2Recycle. "By participating in this initiative, New Yorkers are helping to ´green´ their city by keeping tons of solid waste out of landfills."

Contact Waste & Recycling News senior reporter Jim Johnson at 937-964-1289 or jpjohnson@crain.com