Black & Decker/DeWALT was recognized today by the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) for its commitment to the environment through recycling rechargeable batteries. RBRC presented outstanding members of the Black & Decker/DeWALT team with a "Green Medal of Honor" to honor the company's industry-leading efforts to educate consumers, as well as its employees, on the importance of recycling rechargeable batteries.

RBRC is a non-profit public service organization whose mission is to implement rechargeable battery recycling programs in the U.S. and Canada. Black & Decker/DeWALT participates in RBRC's Charge Up to Recycle! (R) program -- an industry-wide initiative that educates consumers, businesses and communities on the safe disposal of used rechargeable batteries. As a leading manufacturer of portable power tools and related products that require rechargeable batteries, Black & Decker/DeWALT integrates RBRC materials into its manufacturing and marketing programs.

"Providing consumers with both high-quality products and the know-how to be a more responsible user is part of our overall commitment to the environment," said Paul McBride, President, Worldwide Power Tools and Accessories of Black & Decker/DeWALT. "The RBRC program offers the all-in-one solution we need to make this education possible."

Recent initiatives championed by Black & Decker/DeWALT have included:

The Home Depot: Making It Easy for Do-It-Yourselfers

Black & Decker/DeWALT's participation was key to integrating RBRC's battery recycling program into The Home Depot stores throughout the U.S. and Canada. Black & Decker/DeWALT, which assisted in the installation of collection boxes and the training of Home Depot staff, continues to be involved in the program through the monitoring of RBRC's battery collection boxes.

"Recycle Me" Here

The RBRC seal appears prominently on all rechargeable batteries used in Black & Decker/DeWALT products. This seal directs consumers to www.rbrc.org and 1-800-8-BATTERY, where they can find the nearest location to drop off their used rechargeable batteries. In addition, Black & Decker/DeWALT has placed "Recycle Me" stickers on all of its products powered by nickel cadmium rechargeable batteries. The company also includes the RBRC seal in its print ads and brochures and provides helpful information on battery recycling on its Web site.

Rolling Thunder Recycles

DeWALT has integrated RBRC collateral and collection boxes into its Rolling Thunder traveling product showcase. Rolling Thunder trucks travel to sporting events across the country, including NASCAR races, and set up "shop" to demonstrate key products.

"Black & Decker/DeWALT's efforts to integrate the RBRC battery collection program into their marketing program have proven to be invaluable," said Ralph Millard, RBRC Executive Vice President.

"The company's commitment to the RBRC program exemplifies how a company can work across industries to integrate solutions that are a benefit to itself, its consumers and the environment."

The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) is a nonprofit, public service organization dedicated to rechargeable battery recycling. There are over 30,000 retail and community battery collection locations throughout the U.S. and Canada that participate in RBRC's battery recycling program. RBRC is funded by more than 300 manufacturers and marketers of portable rechargeable batteries and products. RBRC's public education campaign and battery recycling program in the U.S. and Canada -- Charge Up to Recycle!(R) -- is the result of the rechargeable power industry's commitment to conserve natural resources and prevent rechargeable batteries from entering the solid waste stream.

Black & Decker is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of power tools and accessories, hardware and home improvement products, and technology-based fastening systems.