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RWM Home > Educational and Informational Resources > Recycling > Rechargeable Battery Recycling

Rechargeable Battery Recycling

The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation currently recycles rechargeable batteries - the power source in cordless phones and power tools - through retail stores, community collection centers and businesses across the U.S. and Canada.  Recently, the program expanded and now accepts Ni-Cd,  lithium, metal hydride and small sealed lead acid rechargeable batteries such as those found in cellular phones, laptop computers and other portable electronic products.

Statutory Sections:

Maine law at 38 MRSA § 2165 requires manufacturers to establish a collection system for rechargeable batteries. The RBRC program fulfills this requirement. If you are a Maine business, you must either use the RBRC system to return spent rechargeable batteries to the manufacturer or you must make other arrangements to ensure the battery is recycled. It is illegal for businesses to dispose of rechargeable batteries in the trash.

If you are a homeowner, you are not required to recycle rechargeable batteries but we urge you to do so. The price you paid for the battery entitles you to use the RBRC service free of charge. Recycling helps us safely manage the toxic components of these batteries and keep them from contaminating our air and water.

Chapter 24: §2165. Regulation of certain dry cell batteries

Chapter 24: §2166. Rechargeable consumer products

Lists:

Directory of Maine businesses, retailers and public agencies accepting these batteries (Excel Format)

Other Related Programs Off-Site

For more about the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation, visit their web site.

Call2Recycle

Updated March 20, 2007