Batteries Plus receives $7 million grant to develop new recycling tech
Funding from the federal government will help Batteries Plus create a new battery recycling solution.
The consumer and business specialty battery retailer has been selected for negotiation of a grant of over $7 million from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (DOE/MESC) to spearhead a comprehensive, nationwide initiative to increase battery recycling.
The grant will facilitate the development of a recycling workstation designed to streamline the sorting and packaging of batteries in an effort to simplify the process for consumers.
This new technology is expected to reduce labor time by three to four minutes per pound of batteries processed, leading to an expected 30% reduction in costs. Batteries Plus says it will share this technology with other retailers to promote industry-wide efficiency.
Before funding is issued, DOE/MESC and Batteries Plus will undergo a negotiation process.
How it will work
Consumers will be able to recycle batteries at Batteries Plus stores at no cost during this program, which will be supported by educational campaigns that emphasize the environmental benefits of responsible battery disposal, with a particular focus on underserved communities to help ensure equitable access.
Batteries Plus will also work with the DOE to launch a marketing campaign, leveraging partnerships with sports teams and community organizations to raise awareness about battery recycling.
Educational content will be created for schools and the general public, and consumer surveys will provide insights to refine outreach efforts.
Local stores will provide notifications to consumers as this program rolls out across the nation in the upcoming months. Batteries Plus recycles 50 million pounds of batteries every year, more than one million pounds of which is rechargeable and lithium batteries.
"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. "We hope this grant allows us to encourage Americans to properly recycle the dead batteries in their homes at their locally owned Batteries Plus store."
[READ MORE: Staples launches battery recycling program – with a twist]
Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Hartland, Wis., Batteries Plus operates over 700 locations in 46 states and Puerto Rico and is owned by Freeman Spogli, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles and New York City.
