SGV Recycling Program Collects 1,800 Pounds of Batteries

A San Gabriel Valley battery recycling program has collected nearly 1,800 pounds of used household batteries since the program began on Earth Day in April.

Thirty-Nine San Gabriel Valley locations, including one in Glendora, have taken part in the take-back program organized by the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG). The program is funded by a $395,966 grant from the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery.

Disposal of batteries has been prohibited in California landfills since 2006.

can take their used batteries to , 513 S. Glendora Avenue.

“By collecting batteries across the San Gabriel Valley we are significantly reducing batteries from going to landfills from local landfills,” said Heidi Sanborn, Executive Director of the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC) in a press statement.

The recycling project also included surveys and focus groups which revealed disposal habits of the general public. Of the San Gabriel Valley residents surveyed, 59 percent said they were not aware that battery disposal was prohibited. Another 56 percent said they still disposed of batteries in the trash despite the state law.

Sanborn said the survey responses revealed the need for more accessible battery recycling programs and locations.

Batteries and items accepted in the take-back program include standard AAA thru D size alkaline, rechargeable batteries, cordless phones, two-way radios, wireless keyboards, cordless power tools and cell phones. All household batteries under 11 pounds can be taken to the listed recycling stations.

All take-back locations are listed at www.sgvcog.org/batteryrecycling.

For more information about the SGVCOG pilot battery recycling project, contact Nick Conway, SGVCOG Executive Director: (626) 457-1800 or Heidi Sanborn, CPSC Executive Director: (916) 480-9010. For more information about CalRecycle go to www.calrecycle.ca.gov.