Call2Recycle upgrades collection containers

Call2Recycle Inc., a consumer battery stewardship organization based in Atlanta, will include a flame-retardant liner in its U.S. battery collection containers. This new feature is part of the organization's Charge Up Safety! initiative with the goal of furthering the safe collection, transport and recycling of consumer batteries.

When certain types of batteries reach end of life, they may still retain a residual charge that can present a safety risk if not handled properly. The Call2Recycle program will include the flame retardant liner in all its battery collection boxes as an extra layer of protection during collection, transportation and recycling.

"Safety is a core tenet of the Call2Recycle program," Carl Smith, Call2Recycle CEO and president, says. "As the premier battery recycling program, we are continually improving safety policies and practices to ensure we protect both people and the environment. This liner is an additional step we are taking for the safety of consumers, sorters, collection sites, transporters and processors who handle used batteries."

The patent pending liner is made of a dry polyester fiber and provides an additional level of defense should a thermal event occur during the battery recycling process. The liner is manufactured from used plastic bottles and is both reusable and recyclable. Call2Recycle says, when applied using the program's guidelines, the liner can limit the potential for flames to escape from a battery box in the event of a thermal runaway or ignition of materials.

The flame retardant box, manufactured for Call2Recycle's use, has been independently tested and can withstand up to 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit. Call2Recycle will begin fulfilling boxes with this liner to all collection sites across the U.S. in the coming weeks and to Canada in early 2018.