(MS) - Why not include the environment on your holiday gift list this year? Popular gift items including laptops, cell phones, electronic toys, digital cameras and cordless power tools, all contain rechargeable batteries, which can and should be recycled.

Not sure where to recycle those used rechargeable batteries? The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), a nonprofit public service organization dedicated to rechargeable battery and cell phone recycling, has a simple solution for consumers regardless of the season. Through its Call2RecycleTM program, consumers can recycle their used rechargeable batteries and old cell phones at convenient drop-off boxes housed at major retailers including Target, The Home Depot, Circuit City, Lowe's, RadioShack and many more.

So this season, while you wait in long lines at the mall, remind your friends and family to do their part to protect the environment with each electronic item they purchase. A complete list of drop-off locations is available at call2recycle.org or by phone toll-free at 1-877-2-RECYCLE.

And, if you are feeling especially merry this holiday season, share these simple tips from RBRC so your loved ones can get the most out of their techie gifts:

Follow the charging guidelines provided by the manufacturer. There are specific initial battery charging times for each individual product before using it for the first time.

Never return a fully-charged battery to the charger for an extra boost. This will shorten the life of the battery.

Let a discharged battery cool to room temperature before recharging.

Recharge batteries only when they are near to fully discharged.

Make a year-round commitment to the environment by remembering to recycle your used rechargeable batteries and old cell phones. After all, what better way is there to help make the Earth merry and bright?