Canadian recycling of rechargeable batteries increased by nearly a third last year, the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp. has announced.

The non-profit organization reported that 150,269 kilograms of rechargeable batteries were collected in 2004, a rise of 31 per cent from the previous year. "We are pleased to see that not only our partners‘‘ interest, but also the interest of consumers in general, continues to grow in response to an unplugged lifestyle," said executive vice-president Ralph Millard in a statement. "The numbers show that everyone is thinking and acting ‘‘greener‘‘ than ever."

Since 2003, the organization has experienced an increase in participation with national retailers, businesses, communities and recycling programs, with 6,145 drop-off facilities for used cellphones and rechargeable batteries across Canada. The organization launched its cellphone recycling service in 2004