Batteries being collected in Southern California

Oct. 6 -- Since Earth Day, at least 1,784 pounds of used household batteries have been collected through a pilot recycling program in San Gabriel Valley, Calif.

Residents in one of Southern California’s principal valleys -- home to more than 2 million people -- have taken their used batteries to 39 San Gabriel Valley area businesses that volunteered to serve as collection sites.

Call2Recycle, a national battery stewardship organization funded by battery manufacturers, provided the collection boxes. The average take-back locations are collecting 45 pounds of batteries over a three-month period, according to the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments.

Batteries accepted include standard AAA through D size alkaline, as well as rechargeable batteries which come in five chemistries and can be found in various devices.

All household batteries that weigh less than 11 pounds -- alkaline and rechargeable -- can still be recycled at take-back locations throughout San Gabriel Valley.

Contact Waste & Recycling News reporter Shawn Wright at swright@crain.com or 313-446-0346.

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