Batteries Plus, the nation’s leading specialty battery retailer for both consumer and business needs and one of the largest retail battery recyclers in the U.S., has officially confirmed its selection for negotiation of a grant worth over $7 million from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (DOE). According to certain reports, the stated grant will be used to put-together a comprehensive, nationwide initiative to dramatically increase battery recycling. Talk about the whole value proposition on a slightly deeper level, we begin from how the funding will let Batteries Plus incentivize consumers to recycle. This includes how consumers getting the chance to recycle batteries at Batteries Plus stores, something they’ll be able to do at no cost whatsoever during the span of the given program. Such a facility, like you can guess, will effectively reduce the financial barriers that often deter consumers from recycling their batteries, at least for the next three years. Making the whole effort even better would be the way it is going to be aided by educational campaigns that emphasize upon environmental benefits of responsible battery disposal, with a particular focus on underserved communities to ensure equitable access. Next up, the initiative is expected to make recycling mainstream throughout the nation. You see, the DOE grant will facilitate the development of a highly visible and accessible recycling workstation which, in turn, will streamline sorting and packaging of batteries and simplify the process for consumers. This particular technology will reduce labor time by 3-4 minutes per pound of batteries processed, leading to a 30% reduction in costs. Another detail worth a mention here is concerned with Batteries Plus’ decision to share this technology with other retailers, and therefore, promote industry-wide efficiency.
“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.”
Moving on, the cash injection will even do the legwork involved in engaging and educating Americans regarding the importance of recycling and why it has become a national priority. Here, the company will collaborate with DOE to launch a robust marketing campaign. Furthermore, it will leverage partnerships with sports teams and community organizations to raise awareness about battery recycling. Another complimentary idea is to generate educational content for schools and the general public. Not just that, the idea is also to use consumer surveys to uncover insights that, on their part, can refine outreach efforts about this new national priority. The stated awareness drive is going to target all communities across the brand’s nationwide footprint.
The whole runner becomes all the more valuable once you take into account Batteries Plus’ existing stature as a leader of its space. Founded more than 30 years ago, the company boasts, at the moment, a total of 700+ locally owned stores across 46 different states. Furthermore, it recycles somewhere around 50 million pounds of batteries every year, more than one million pounds of which is rechargeable and lithium batteries.
