News

BETTERY begins battery recycling in Pacific Northwest

April 4, 2013

BETTERY Inc. today announced the installation of its first rechargeable battery Swap Stations in Washington and Oregon. Through the kiosk's touchscreen display, consumers can complete battery exchanges that benefit the environment — and the user's wallet.

BETTERY aims to cut down on the environmental impact of the 2.5 billion batteries that are thrown away in the U.S. every year and to create a less costly, more convenient solution for consumers, according to a news release from the company. The kiosks enable the purchase and exchange of reusable AA and AAA batteries and serve as a drop-off site for recycling traditional single-use alkaline batteries.

"Our extensive research shows that consumers will embrace a convenient, affordable option for reusable batteries," said BETTERY Founder and CEO Charlie Kawasaki. "We are placing our Swap Stations at locations where people are already making regular shopping visits, so they don't have to go out of their way to start saving money and helping the environment."

The first BETTERY Swap Stations are initially being installed in five Whole Foods Market stores, three in the Portland area and two in the Seattle area. According to Whole Foods' Dena Hastings, a regional green mission specialist, the BETTERY kiosk sticks with the store's core values of caring for the community and environment.

"BETTERY's innovative approach to reusable batteries is consistent with our philosophy, and we are excited to offer this new model to our customers and believe they will appreciate the environmental benefits, in addition to the cost savings and convenience," she said.

Read more about kiosks in retail locations.