A team effort between Recycle Coach and Call2Recycle greatly increased the knowledge surrounding battery disposal.
Background
After the loss of a paper sorting facility in Passaic County in January of 2021, the state of New Jersey set out to tackle the growing issue of waste and recycling facility (MRF) fires caused by the incorrect disposal of rechargeable batteries.
Solution
With millions of New Jersey residents already using the Recycle Coach platform for waste and recycling information, we helped develop and disseminate an educational campaign in partnership with Call2Recycle. The targeted campaign consisted of blogs, quiz questions, an interactive picture tap quiz, and other various modules and media. Along with this campaign, Call2Recycle launched its national "Avoid the Spark" outreach and battery recycling drop-off program to increase safe battery disposal.
Results
During the Campaign:
- 10,000+ video views of our Fire Newscast Video
- 4,500+ residents interacted with the Avoid the Spark Battery Guideline infographic
- 4,000+ residents earned a digital battery badge by completing quiz questions
- 3,000+ residents signed a pledge to practice safe battery disposal
- 2,500+ residents read our mobile app blogs about battery safety
By the end of the Campaign:
- 98% learned rechargeable batteries led to increased fire risk at recycling facilities
- 96% of participants knew not to put rechargeable batteries in their curbside recycling
- 96% learned rechargeable batteries should go to a Call2Recycle drop-off location
- 87% knew where to find a Call2Recycle drop-off bin
- 80% of participants could correctly identify which devices use rechargeable batteries
Conclusion
Key Takeaway Educational content through the Recycle Coach network supports other ongoing outreach efforts as part of a complete multi-faceted approach to reach residents.
You don't want to add to the stressors of life, so when residents can take their phones out and find out when recycling day is and other events, it just makes it easier. We've seen an increase in recyclables and our contamination rate is at 12%, below the state average.
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Let's work together
We’re a proud partner to 1,500+ municipalities across North America and beyond. From local problems to larger initiatives, we’d love to have a conversation. Send us a note and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.
