Batteries Plus has been selected for a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant of more than $7 million to support a comprehensive nationwide initiative for increasing battery recycling.
The DOE’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains chose Batteries Plus based on its extensive franchisee network of 700+ stores and its specially trained battery professionals, who are well positioned to manage safe, environmentally responsible disposal of batteries. Batteries Plus has been a battery recycling leader for more than 30 years, recycling 50 million pounds of batteries annually.
The funding will allow Batteries Plus to:
- Incentivize consumers to recycle batteries by eliminating recycling fees at stores for the next three years, bolstered by educational campaigns emphasizing the environmental benefits of responsible battery disposal and with a particular focus on underserved communities;
- Develop a highly visible and accessible recycling workstation to streamline the sorting and packaging of batteries and simplify processes for consumers. The technology is expected to reduce labor time by three to four minutes per pound of batteries processed, leading to a 30% cost reduction, and Batteries Plus will share the tech with other retailers to promote industrywide efficiencies; and
- Work with the DOE to launch a robust marketing campaign to educate Americans about this national priority, including leveraging partnerships with sports teams and community organizations to raise awareness. The campaign will include educational content for schools and the general public, and consumer surveys will provide insights to refine outreach efforts.
“For 30 years we have led the way in battery recycling to benefit our communities and preserve the natural world,” said Scott Williams, CEO of Batteries Plus in a statement. “We hope this grant allows us to encourage Americans to properly recycle the dead batteries in their homes at their locally owned Batteries Plus.”
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