City of Austin, Texas, Recognized by RBRC

The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp. (RBRC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to recycling used rechargeable batteries, has recognized the Austin, Texas, Department of Solid Waste Services, Household Hazardous Waste Program, with a 2007 “Regional Recycling Leadership Award” for its efforts in rechargeable battery recycling.

The award was presented April 4 to Veronica Garza, Austin Department of Solid Waste Services, Household Hazardous Waste Program.

A Call2Recycle participant since 2004, Austin’s Department of Solid Waste Services has collected more than 13,000 pounds of rechargeable batteries to date. The department has a comprehensive public education program designed to build and maintain awareness of recycling used rechargeable batteries. In addition, a staff presence at community events, such as Green Garden Expo, Green City Festival and other department-sponsored electronics collection events, environmental fairs and school education events, has helped encourage rechargeable battery and cell phone recycling in the Austin metro area.

Veronica Garza, Austin Department of Solid Waste Services, says, “To be able to recycle rechargeable batteries in a free and simple way is a tremendous asset to our local environmental preservation efforts, and receiving this award is truly an honor for us.”

The RBRC Recycling Leadership Awards recognizes outstanding Call2Recycle participants each year for their exceptional efforts in rechargeable battery recycling.  The awards are divided into regional and national categories with four U.S. regional award winners and two national award winners – one from the United States and one from Canada.

More information on the RBRC’s Call2Recycle program is available at www.call2recycle.org.