I have been working on helping develop a recycling project as part of a program I am participating in through my local Realtor Association. I'm learning some interesting facts.
- Americans use an average of 6 cordless products in their daily activities - PDA's, cell phones. ipods,tools such as cordless drills and screwdrivers, flashlights, etc.
- The average cell phone user has 3 cell phones in their possession
- More than 40% of those cell phone users replace their phone every 2 years
- Most rechargeable batteries can be recharged up to 1,000 times
What happens to all those rechargeable batteries after they can no longer hold a charge? THEY SHOULD BE RECYCLED.
The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation is a nonprofit public service organization founded by the rechargeable battery industry in 1994. It's mission is to recycle rechargeable batteries that power many electronic products such as laptops, cell phones, remote control toys, razors, MP3 players, camcorders, electric toothbrushes, cordless phones, digital cameras and power tools. According to their information, they have recycled almost 50 million pounds of rechargeable batteries. Their website lists numerous retailers who participate in battery recycling programs.
We Americans do like our techy toys don't we! But I had no idea how many of these toys we have until you listed them. I've been buying batteries that recharge for things like the TV remote. But even those add up!
Thanks for the recycling info. Our county takes that kind of electronic waste at the landfill for recycling. BTW not sure on the stats for Americans but Brits throw away over 1000 cell phones every day. Into the landfill!
Hi Deb, this is great information. Thank you, I will reblog this. Our landfill also will take batteries but only on special days.
Great facts, Deb. Even more noteworthy are your efforts of setting up the recycling program! A green thumbs up to you! I'm sure the task can be daunting!
Deb, that is shocking - what does anyone need with 3 cell phones... and that being an average, many must have more... I recyle all my regular batteries and use rechargeables in anything that takes AA (which is what I have been able to find) but I didn't know whether the rechargeable ones could then be recycled or how. Very helpful!
Hi Deb, my area has battery recycling for normal batteries at the recycling centers and then only 1 time a year they do the electronic recycling-