Woodbridge, Va. (Sept. 24, 2018) The national nonprofit Responsible Battery Coalition (RBC) is partnering with a Keep America Beautiful (KAB) affiliate in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region as a pilot initiative to recover more used vehicle batteries and to boost local community cleanup efforts. RBC is supporting Keep Prince William Beautiful (KPWB) cleanups on both Monday, Oct. 8, and Saturday, Nov. 17.Steve Christensen, executive director of the RBC, said targeted digital and grassroots outreach has helped bring more vehicle batteries into the closed-loop recycling system, saving consumers and manufacturers money while reducing the environmental impact of sourcing new battery materials.Christensen emphasized that KPWB success in its regional beautification and sustainability efforts led the RBC to seek KPWB as a partner. “Since launching our 2 Million Battery Challenge in mid-February, we have been seeking partnerships with grassroots organizations like Keep America Beautiful, which are on the front lines of engaging the public in promoting recycling and cleanup programs,” said Christensen. “Our hope is that other Keep America Beautiful affiliates will want to replicate this model in working with us to jointly promote community beautification projects.” Christensen added that during the first six months, the 2 Million Battery Challenge campaign has generated over 80,000 visits to the Responsible Battery Coalition’s website, where consumers can find a nearby retailer who will accept used vehicle batteries. Also from February 13 to August 13, 2018, RBC’s proactive Google advertising, Facebook advertising and programmatic display have achieved 20.5 million impressions by consumers interested in returning a used vehicle battery or battery recycling.Lynda Kummelt, executive director of Keep Prince William Beautiful, headquartered in Woodbridge, Va., said the partnership is a win-win for citizens, local government and industry. “The resources of the RBC, its retail and automotive members, and its 2 Million Battery Challenge will help our volunteers and sponsors better understand the recycling process for batteries and other items we collect from roadways, streams and fields,” said Kummelt.RBC and KPWB are issuing a regional call to action throughout October-November to recycle used vehicle batteries. Nationally, the existing RBC 2 Million Battery Challenge site -- https://www.responsiblebatterycoalition.org/2-million-battery-challenge/ -- offers a ZIP code store finder capability for retailers who will accept the batteries. AutoZone, Advance Auto, O’Reilly Auto Parts and Walmart are RBC members participating in the North American campaign.“The latest automotive industry research shows that 12 percent of consumers still have a dead or unusable vehicle battery at home and not in the closed recycling loop,” said Christensen. “That’s enough batteries to equal the weight of 1,000 semi-trucks or enough to line the length of 8,000 football fields.”Upcoming RBC-KPWB Community Cleanups:Monday, October 8, 2018 (Columbus Day) – 9 a.m. to noon, begins at Tackett’s Mill Shopping Center and cleans approximately five miles (each way) along Old Bridge Road – Prince William County Supervisor Ruth M. Anderson (Occoquan District) is hosting.Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018 – Veteran’s Park along Highway 1Time: TBD - Prince William County Supervisor Frank J. Principi (Woodbridge District) is hosting.To volunteer at the Oct. 8 cleanup, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-old-bridge-road-clean-up-tickets-47828692908Any used batteries recovered during the two cleanups or that citizens would like to return on their own should be taken to the following northern Virginia stores:Walmart
Advance Auto Parts
AutoZone
O'Reilly Auto Parts
# # #About Responsible Battery CoalitionA coalition of companies, academics and organizations committed to the responsible management of the batteries of today and tomorrow, RBC was created to advance the responsible production, transport, sale, use, reuse, recycling, and resource recovery of transportation, industrial and stationary batteries and other energy storage devices. Website: https://www.responsiblebatterycoalition.org/About Keep Prince William Beautiful, Inc.Keep Prince William Beautiful, Inc. is a nonprofit environmental organization that serves Prince William County through partnering with residents, businesses and government to educate and inspire people to be environmental stewards. Keep Prince William Beautiful offers programs spanning the issues of litter removal, recycling education and water quality improvement. Website: https://kpwb.org/RBC-KPWB Facebook Event Page for Oct. 8 Community Clean-Uphttps://www.facebook.com/events/1195647843919738/
