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Recycle program wants your old cell phone MUSC joined a national program, Call2Recycle, which helps students, faculty and staff conveniently recycle their cell phones and portable rechargeable batteries.   The program provides MUSC with an easy way to recycle old cell phones and used rechargeable batteries weighing no more than 2 pounds each. Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium Ion (Li-ion), and Small Sealed Lead (Pb) are commonly found in cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, cordless power tools, two-way radios, camcorders, remote control toys, and a variety of other portable electronic products. When the battery can no longer hold a charge, it can and should be recycled.   By 2006, roughly 200 million cell phones will be in use in the United States, and approximately 130 million phones will be retired each year. The average American cell phone user has a total of three or more cell phones and five cordless electronic products in their possession. Departments should check with Barbara Bradham at University Communications first to make sure the phone memory is erased. She can be reached by calling 792-4040.   Departments should call 792-4119 to order a collection box. The boxes are small, a little less than a cubic foot. When the box is full, call UPS for a free collection. Call 792-4119 to order a new box.   MUSC and other public agencies nationwide are working in cooperation with the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Cooperation (RBRC), a nonprofit public service organization that operates the Call2Recycle program. By participating in the RBRC program, MUSC is helping to conserve the earth’s natural resources and to prevent cell phones and rechargeable batteries from entering the country’s landfills.   “Public agency participation is a crucial part of our program because it puts us in touch with a broad range of people,” said Norm England, RBRC president. “Public Agencies such as MUSC are helping to make cell phone and rechargeable battery recycling a reality, and that’s great for the environment.”   The Call2Recycle program has various recycling plans that collect old cell phones and used rechargeable batteries from retailers, businesses, communities, and public agencies. The program’s public education campaign features Richard Karn, “Al” from TV’s Home Improvement and host of Family Feud. Before taking cell phones to the recycle boxes, call University Communication's Barbara Bradham at 792-4040.     Friday, Feb. 10, 2006 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778, ext. 201.