
Next Monday marks another celebration of National Battery Day. Observed each year on February 18, this is a day to appreciate the convenience batteries provide to our everyday lives. As consumers, it’s our responsibility to recycle them when they have reached end-of-life. Battery recycling not only helps prevent potentially hazardous materials in batteries from harming the environment, but it can protect against potential fires by keeping batteries out of the garbage and helps conserve our natural resources.
The annual awareness day asks consumers and organizations to scour their homes and offices – searching through all junk drawers, closets and garages – for used batteries to be taken to an acceptable battery drop-off location. While battery recycling is offered year-round, National Battery Day spotlights how batteries power our world along with the need for responsible disposal once batteries reach the end of their usability. And research shows there is great room for growth and engagement: In the U.S., two-thirds of consumers are aware of battery recycling in their communities, while only 41 percent participate.
There are a number of retailer that help make battery recycling more convenient for many types of batteries. Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy, Staples, or battery specialty stores like Battery Plus and Interstate Battery all have battery-recycling programs that are easily accessible for consumers. For information on battery recycling specific to your location Call2Recycle are great online resources for battery recycling drop off locations, and battery recycling mail-in program options.
As an R2, RIOS and ISO 14001 certified facility, HOBI International, Inc. strives to face these challenges with the goal of transforming the world into a more sustainable environment and promoting resource preservation and effective environmental management by maximizing the meaning of both reuse and recycle.