The Green Bay Packers announced today they will team up with Batteries Plus, the nation's leading specialty battery retailer, to launch a new battery recycling initiative to educate and raise awareness about battery recycling among Packers fans.

The partnership was announced today at Lambeau Field, with U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm and others from the Department of Energy in attendance to show support for the initiative.

Through the partnership, fans will be encouraged to bring their used batteries to their local Batteries Plus store to utilize free recycling drop-offs that will be available in the coming weeks. Wisconsin recyclers will be eligible to win experiences, prizes and other incentives, including the opportunity to present the game ball before a Packers home game this season. Wisconsin schools also will be invited to participate in battery recycling contests, with the winning classroom receiving a memorable, exclusive Lambeau Field experience.

Fans can look for the Batteries Plus display, which will entertain fans while providing more info about battery recycling, on the Fan Walkway on the east side of Lambeau Field prior to Saturday's Family Night. The display will also be available before the Sept. 29 game against Minnesota and the Oct. 13 game against Arizona.

"The Green Bay Packers are proud to be a part of this vital initiative," said Aaron Popkey, Packers director of public affairs. "As a team deeply rooted in the community, we recognize the importance of sustainability and are committed to promoting responsible recycling practices among our fans."

The initiative is the result of a $7 million grant secured by Batteries Plus from the U.S. Department of Energy aimed at dramatically increasing battery recycling nationwide by removing financial barriers for consumers, enhancing operational efficiencies and educating communities on responsible battery recycling.

"This grant is a pivotal step in our mission to make battery recycling accessible and mainstream," said Scott Williams, CEO of Batteries Plus. "By eliminating recycling fees at our stores and developing advanced recycling workstations, we're removing barriers and making it easier for consumers to do their part in preserving both our natural resources and the strength of our domestic supply chain. We're excited to partner with the Department of Energy and the Green Bay Packers to bring this important message to a wider audience."

This effort complements the Packers' existing sustainability efforts, including the team's First Downs for Trees program, which plants trees in northeast Wisconsin to target the carbon emitted by the Packers' air charters to road games. Lambeau Field also incorporates energy efficient facility upgrades when completing stadium renovations. In recent years, the Packers have enjoyed the cost-saving benefits from installing energy-efficient stadium boilers, upgraded HVAC, lighting and kitchen equipment. The team has also taken part in recycling and landfill diversion programs on gamedays and every day at Lambeau Field.

At the press conference, Secretary Granholm said, "This is a huge step in American energy independence and building a full American supply chain. We need to be extracting the critical materials in these batteries in a responsible way by recycling the materials we already have in our system. Partnering with Batteries Plus and a great football team like the Packers will create this cycle."

For 30 years, Batteries Plus has been America's destination for battery recycling, annually processing 50 million pounds of batteries, including over 1 million pounds of lithium-based batteries—a number that continues to grow. This partnership gives Batteries Plus the opportunity to expand upon the processes already in place to make recycling batteries more mainstream and efficient in order to better protect the environment. For more information on the initiative and to find your nearest recycling location, please visit www.batteriesplus.com or www.energy.gov.

About Batteries Plus: Batteries Plus is a leading specialty retailer that offers an unmatched selection of battery solutions for consumers and businesses, no matter their power needs. With over 700 locations in 46 states and Puerto Rico, the retailer not only has unrivaled selection when it comes to meeting power needs, but its stores offer expertise to go along with any purchase. Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Hartland, WI, Batteries Plus is owned by Freeman Spogli, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles and New York City. To learn more about Batteries Plus and its products and services, visit www.batteriesplus.com. For more information on Batteries Plus' services for all B2B power needs, visit www.batteriesplusbusiness.com. To learn more about one of Forbes®' Best Franchises to Buy in America, visit www.batteriesplusfranchise.com. 

About the U.S. Department of Energy: The U.S. Department of Energy was activated on October 1, 1977. Today, the Department's priority ensures the nation's security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through science and technology solutions. The Department seeks to transform the nation's energy system and secure leadership in clean energy technologies, pursue world-class science and engineering as a cornerstone of economic prosperity, and enhance nuclear security through defense, nonproliferation, and environmental efforts.