MnTAP SOURCE, Fall 2000, Volume 15, Number 3 Minnesota Technical Assistance Program, University of Minnesota
Businesses can recycle their nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) rechargeable batteries through the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC). Your business may use Ni-Cd batteries in bar code readers, cellular phones and portable printers to maximize efficiency. Businesses in Minnesota are required to properly manage their used Ni-Cd batteries.
Ni-Cd rechargeable batteries can be recycled if they bear an EPA Certified RBRC battery recycling seal or if they were manufactured by one of RBRC�s licensees (see list on RBRC Web site). Companies collect the batteries and ship them to a consolidation center. RBRC pays for the recycling costs. The cadmium is used for making new batteries. Nickel and iron are used to make stainless steel products.
Beginning in January 2001, the program will expand to include additional rechargeable battery chemistries: nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH), lithium ion (Li-ion) and small sealed lead acid batteries. This nonprofit program is funded by the rechargeable power industry. For more information, call Cheryl Lofrano-Zaske at 320/963-2232 or visit www.rbrc.org.