Rechargeable Batteries To Be Diverted from New York Landfills

In an attempt to reduce the number of toxic rechargeable batteries that end up in landfills—3.8 million pounds a year in New York State—the State now requires battery manufacturers, along with retailers, to create free and accessible recycling programs for all batteries sold and disposed of in the state. The new law includes laptop, cell phone, camera, and other electronic rechargeable batteries; it excludes vehicle batteries and non-rechargeable batteries. With oversight from the Department of Environmental Conservation, rechargeable battery manufacturers are now responsible for financing and advertising battery collection and recycling, and reporting program progress. Retailers are required to inform consumers about the program and accept used rechargeable batteries from individuals during business hours. Manufacturers must submit a collection and recycling plan to the State by March 2011, and retailers must begin accepting batteries by July 2011. The program will expand on the existing voluntary Call2Recycle program run by the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation, which takes back batteries across New York State.