Dive Brief:
- The state of Vermont will launch the nation's first mandated U.S. single-use battery recycling program on Jan. 1, 2016. The state's partnership with Call2Recycle aims to make battery recycling easy and convenient for residents while minimizing consumer confusion.
- Residents will be able to dispose of their household batteries at nearly 100 drop-off sites in the state, including retailers and libraries. It will no longer be required to separate single-use batteries when recycling, allowing for a maximum number of batteries to be diverted from the landfill.
- Vermont's Primary Battery Law requires manufacturers of primary batteries to provide a Stewardship Plan "to manage the proper recycling of those batteries sold in Vermont," according to a press release.
Dive Insight:
For more than 20 years, Call2Recycle has diverted millions of pounds of batteries from landfills across the nation, allowing safe and proper disposal of the hazardous waste plaguing the everyday consumer. Therefore, it is a slight surprise that it has taken so long for a state to mandate battery recycling.
The state of Vermont backed this plan in March, as Call2Recycle announced that it would work with companies such as Energizer, Interstate Battery, Panasonic, Polaroid, Rayovac, RiteAid, Sony and Varta Microbattery on making the mandate a reality.
"Vermont's battery program marks a pivotal moment in our country's efforts to reduce the amount of materials in our landfills through responsible recycling," said Carl Smith, CEO & president of Call2Recycle, in a press release. "Call2Recycle is thrilled to be at the forefront of battery stewardship and excited to be applying its expertise to offer a comprehensive battery recycling solution to Vermont residents."
