Oct 14 2009

Battery Recycling | Batteries Recycled

By Sayhay

battery-recycling



Helps Keep the Toxic Heavy Metals Out of Our Environment

Battery Recycling

 

Batteries are a requirement to make electronic items portable.  They give our laptops and iPods necessary power to run while not plugged into an electrical source.  While an integral part of our culture and technology, the truth is that they are made up of some seriously toxic heavy metals.  Some of these metals include nickel cadmium, alkaline, mercury, nickel metal hydride and lead acid.  Each of these substances are toxic to our environment if not disposed of properly. 

Some of the hazards which can occur include:

  • Leaching of heavy metals from solid waste landfills
  • Pollution of lakes and streams as the metals vaporize into the air when burned
  • Exposure of the environment and water to lead and corrosive acids
  • Burning or danger to eyes and skin which come in contact with the acids.

In 1996, the Battery Act was signed into law to phase out the use of mercury in batteries and to provide collection methods and recycling and proper disposal. Batteries that end up in landfills can potentially leak into the environment and end up in our food chain, causing serious health risks to both humans and animals alike.

Not all batteries are created the same.  Therefore they require specific instructions to ensure each type of battery is properly disposed of.  Current regulations say that all batteries need to have labels on their packaging explaining to how to dispose of them.  Here is a quick reference list of the most common types: 

Alkaline are the most common household type used today.  They are not able to be recharged and should be disposed of through your local community battery recycling program. 

Nickel-Cadmium such as those used in cell phones and digital cameras, are rechargeable.  Once a Nickel-Cadmium battery is spent it needs to be recycled and are highly toxic if disposed of in a landfill. 

Nickel Metal Hydride are used in laptop computers.  This type battery is not toxic and can be easily disposed of.  They do, however, contain some parts which can be recycled.  Your local recycle center may or may not collect the nickel metal hydride batteries. 

Button Cell are used in hearing aids, calculators and watches.  They contain silver, mercury and other toxic elements.  They need to be disposed of properly. 

While battery recycling is widely available, the best environmental option is to use less batteries or at the least use rechargeable whenever possible.
 

There are some simple things you can do to reduce your need for batteries.  Some of these simple tips are:

  • Turn off any battery-operated appliances when not in use
  • Removefrom appliances if they are not going to be used for a long time.
  • Do not mix old with new ones.
  • Do not recharge a battery unless it is specifically marked rechargeable.
  • Do not dispose of in a fire it may cause them to explode.
  • Do not open battery casings

Do not insert batteries backwards into any device. Battery Recycling | Batteries Recycled

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