BATTERY
RECYCLING
Batteries gain their power from heavy metals reacting to
chemical electrolytes.
Because of the heavy metals used in batteries, they pose
a certain pollutant threat to the environment.
Recycling batteries reduces this threat and possible
waste of metal and plastic materials.
TYPES
OF RECYCLABLE BATTERIES
Lead Acid Batteries (Automotive): Due to
effective legislation, approximately 96 percent of all lead acid
batteries are being recycled.
Most retailers will collect used lead acid batteries back
for recycling. These types of batteries are crushed at
processing sites and separated into plastic and metal
components. Each component is then sent to a second processing
site to be manufactured into a new product.
New lead acid batteries are mostly composed of recycled
lead and plastic.
Lead Acid Batteries (Non-automotive): Industrial
equipment, emergency lighting, and alarm systems commonly use
lead acid batteries.
Auto stores and local waste processors will accept these
batteries for recycling.
Alkaline and Zinc-Carbon Batteries: These
are the most commonly used, household batteries found in small
electronic devices.
Because of legislation prohibiting the use of mercury within
alkaline batteries, these types can be disposed of in household
trash. However, in
order to reduce waste, consider alternatives to alkaline
batteries, like rechargeable batteries or adapters.
Button Cell Batteries:
Commonly composed of mercury, silver, lithium, cadmium or other metals,
button cell batteries are used in smaller devices like watches,
calculators, and hearing aids.
Button cell batteries are recyclable and can be dropped
off at jewelry stores, repair shops, and camera stores.
Rechargeable Batteries: Depending on the
contents of the battery, these can be recharged 25 to 1,000
times before they lose their effectiveness.
Rechargeable batteries can contain mercury, cadmium, and
lead, which can be potentially dangerous.
Disposing of rechargeable batteries is illegal in some
areas, so be sure and drop them at a hazardous household waste
or recycling location.
REDUCE BATTERY WASTE
Before
purchasing traditional alkaline batteries, which create waste,
consider the following alternatives:
Purchase a quality, efficient rechargeable battery for
extended use and recyclability.
Many local cities or counties offer drop-off sites or
terminals for recycling.
Consider eliminating the need for any type of battery.
When purchasing an equipment requiring batteries, look or
ask for a product that uses an AC adapter.
Some household items, like calculators, lanterns, and
flashlights, are solar or manually powered.
Some lanterns are powered by turning a small crank, and
other items contain small solar panels as a power source.
Allow rechargeable batteries to almost fully discharge and
cool before recharging
Follow the manufacturers instructions in order to get the
most life out of rechargeable batteries.
Circulate the
use of batteries, which can loose charge if stored for too long.
RECYCLING TIPS
When the
standby time of your rechargeable battery is minimal after a
full charge, it may be time to recycle.
Place electrical tape around rechargeable batteries before
dropping them into recycling bins.
This prevents contact between terminals and other
surfaces.
Avoid placing
damaged rechargeable batteries into recycling bins.
Seal damaged batteries, and take them to a local
household hazardous waste location.
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