An outside vendor, Call2Recycle, offers boxes to collect a mix of rechargeable and single-use batteries. Participants must contact Call2Recycle to participate and must arrange to pay Call2Recycle, as central funding is no longer available for battery recycling. Prices vary by the size of the box. Once the boxes are full, participants follow the instructions for securing and shipping.

Call2Recycle accepts all rechargeable batteries that weigh less than 11 pounds, including Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium Ion (Li-Ion), and Small Sealed Lead Acid (SSLA/ Pb) batteries. Call2Recycle also accepts primary/single-use batteries, including alkaline, lithium, silver oxide, zinc-air, zinc-carbon, and zinc-chloride. AA, AAA, 9V, D-cell, and button cell batteries are all accepted.

Individual batteries must have their terminals taped or be bagged before being placed in the Call2Recycle  boxes. Leaking batteries are not accepted, and should be disposed of through the Division of Research Safety (217-333-2755).

To start the program in your office:

1.         Visit the Call2Recycle website at www.call2recycle.org/product/large-battery-and-cellphone-box/ to order and pay for a battery recycling box. A certificate of recycling is available on request.

2.         Call2Recycle will send the collection boxes with postage-paid return shipping labels directly to your building.  When you first start the program, please send a note to sustainability@illinois.edu, so we can share your good work with other sustainability advocates!

3.         When a box is full of individually bagged rechargeable batteries, check to ensure that only acceptable batteries are in the box.

4.         Write down the box’s shipping tracking number and then place the full box at an appropriate pickup location for return to Call2Recycle.