Uniross Leads the Charge for a Better Environment in Rhode Island with Launch of National Award; Rechargeable Battery Specialist Presents National ''Power Responsibly(TM)'' Award to the State's RIRRC for its Environmental Leadership.

WOBURN, Mass. -- Uniross, a global leader in rechargeable batteries and chargers, has partnered with the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) to help Rhode Islanders recycle their used products and to build awareness around how consumers can make a real difference through the use of rechargeable batteries. Those efforts were publicly recognized today at a special ceremony at the Rhode Island State House, when Uniross Batteries Corporation Vice President Mark Dockser presented the first annual Uniross "Power Responsibly" Award to RIRRC Recycling Program Manager John Trevor, on behalf of Executive Director Sherry A. Mulhearn. The award, which marks the first milestone in Uniross' national "Power Responsibly" campaign, recognizes city and states across the country that are committed to improving the environment through recycling and the use of rechargeable batteries.

"Just one rechargeable battery can replace more than 500 alkaline disposable batteries -- and by switching from disposable batteries to rechargeables, the number of batteries going into landfills in North America could be reduced by more than 2 billion per year," said Dockser. "As the only major battery company in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to rechargeables, Uniross is proud to present this award to the RIRRC for helping to make a real difference with recycling in Rhode Island. These efforts, and a continued emphasis on recycling, will have a positive impact on Rhode Island residents for generations to come."

The Rhode Island rechargeable battery recycling program launched on April 8 at the RIRRC's annual clean up day, which was held at the Narragansett Town Beach in Narragansett, Rhode Island. The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), a national nonprofit public service organization, worked with Uniross to provide the RIRRC with recycling boxes to collect and recycle the rechargeable batteries that power a variety of portable electronic products, such as digital cameras, cellular and cordless phones, power tools, laptop computers, camcorders, and two-way radios. Uniross is currently working with both the RIRRC and the RBRC to place additional recycling boxes in municipal buildings throughout Rhode Island.

"We are pleased to partner with Uniross and offer additional means for recycling products in the Ocean State," said Sherry A. Mulhearn, executive director of Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation. "We continually strive to add new materials to the list of household recyclables. With Uniross' promise to add battery collection bins throughout the state and the RIRRC's dedication to environmentally conscious programs, we know that Rhode Islanders will take advantage of this new program and continue to make it successful."

The Uniross Power Responsibly Award is part of a national campaign recognizing those communities that have demonstrated their commitment to the environment and recycling rechargeables. Rhode Island is the fist state to receive the Uniross "Power Responsibly" award, based on its dedication to improving the environment. The company is now evaluating other communities across the nation to be considered for the award. For more information on the Uniross Power Responsibly campaign and award nomination details, please visit www.uniross.com.

About Uniross

Uniross is a global leader in rechargeable batteries and chargers, offering a complete range of long-life Nickel Metal Hydride batteries that last up to five times longer than typical household batteries and can be recharged whenever desired or needed for up to three years. Uniross batteries are more convenient to use and much more cost effective than typical household batteries making Uniross batteries ideal for high-drain devices. With more than 35 years of experience in the rechargeable battery marketplace, the company is currently the number one brand in Europe and now expanding into North America. For more information please visit www.uniross.com.

About RIRRC

The Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation is the state environmental agency dedicated to providing the public with environmentally sound programs and facilities to manage solid waste. The agency funds and manages the state's recycling program, and owns and operates the Central Landfill and Materials Recycling Facility in Johnston, Rhode Island. For more information, visit www.rirrc.org.

About RBRC

The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) is a nonprofit, public service organization dedicated to rechargeable battery and cell phone recycling. There are over 30,000 retail, business, and community collection locations that participate in RBRC's rechargeable battery recycling program. RBRC is funded by more than 300 manufacturers and marketers of portable rechargeable batteries and products.