Did you know you can recycle disposable batteries in Vermont? And as of last month, Vermont became the first state to require disposable battery manufacturers to make battery recycling more convenient.
The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources is working with an organization called Call2Recycle to implement the program, which is spelled out in Vermont's Act 139.
"The legislation leads the way for a more convenient way for Vermont residents to dispose of their batteries as Vermont residents are now able to recycle all their household batteries, including AA, AAA, C, D, among other battery-types, by bringing them to drop-off locations throughout the state," a press release put out by Vermont ANR and Call2Recycle states. "The program comes at no cost to the state or to Vermont residents."
There is an online tool to find the battery drop-off locations near you. According to the Agency of Natural Resources, there will soon be over 100 drop-off sites including retailers, municipal offices and libraries.
"Vermont is once again demonstrating its environmental leadership," said Agency of Natural Resources Secretary Deb Markowitz. "This program makes it easy for all Vermonters to become product stewards by dramatically increasing their rate of battery recycling. Dead batteries no longer have to be buried in a landfill or hoarded in junk drawers."
According to ANR, there were over 650,000 pounds of batteries sold in Vermont in 2015, but only 36,000 pounds were collected for recycling.
To help increase awareness about battery recycling, Call2Recycle is initiating a battery recycling challenge in schools across Vermont. Fifth and sixth grade classes can sign up for the challenge before National Battery Day, February 18. The school that collects the most batteries per student, by weight, will be rewarded with a special celebration.
