How to Properly Dispose of Batteries

Batteries are an essential part of our modern lives, powering everything from our smartphones to our cars. However, they also contain hazardous materials that can pose a serious threat to the environment if not disposed of properly. When batteries are thrown away in landfills, these materials can leach into the soil and water, contaminating our drinking water and harming wildlife. Additionally, the mining and processing of raw materials for new batteries is a resource-intensive and environmentally damaging process.

Recycling batteries, on the other hand, is a much more sustainable option. By recycling batteries, we can recover and reuse valuable materials such as lead, cadmium, nickel, and lithium, reducing the need for new mining and processing. This not only conserves resources but also helps to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, recycling batteries can prevent the release of hazardous materials into the environment, protecting our health and the health of our planet.

According to a U.S. Geological Survey, each year nearly two dozen Americans are accidentally killed by alkaline batteries that were left in fireplaces or microwaves (this doesn’t include people who manage to swallow a battery).  Here are some other potential accidents that can happen from old batteries.

Fire: Old batteries can overheat and catch fire, especially if they are damaged or short-circuited. This can release toxic fumes into the air and cause property damage.

Explosion: Old batteries can also explode if they are overheated or mishandled. This can cause serious injuries and even death.

Chemical leaks: Old batteries can leak hazardous chemicals, such as lead, cadmium, and mercury. These chemicals can contaminate soil and water, and they can also be harmful to human health.

Recycling batteries is an important part of protecting the environment. Batteries contain harmful chemicals that can leach into the soil and water if not disposed of properly. These chemicals can harm plants and animals, and they can also contaminate drinking water. Recycling batteries helps to prevent these harmful chemicals from entering the environment.

In addition, recycling batteries conserves natural resources. The materials used to make batteries, such as lead, cadmium, and lithium, are finite. By recycling batteries, we can help to reduce the demand for these materials and extend their lifespan. This helps to protect the environment from the harmful effects of mining and processing these materials.

Recycling batteries also helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The production of new batteries requires a lot of energy, which contributes to climate change. Recycling batteries helps to reduce the need for new batteries, which in turn reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

There are many different types of batteries, each with its own unique characteristics and applications. Here are some of the most common types of batteries:

Single-use batteries, also known as disposable batteries or primary batteries, are designed to be used once and then thrown away. They cannot be recharged. Some common types of single use batteries include: Alkaline batteries, Zinc Carbon Batteries and Lithium batteries.

Rechargeable batteries, also known as secondary batteries, can be recharged and reused multiple times. Some common types of secondary batteries include:

Alkaline batteries: These batteries are the most common type of primary battery. They are known for their long lifespan and high energy density.

Carbon-zinc batteries: These batteries are less expensive than alkaline batteries, but they have a shorter lifespan.

Lithium batteries: These batteries have the highest energy density of any type of primary battery. They are often used in high-drain devices, such as cameras and flashlights.

Whenever you encounter a battery that looks like it might be leaking, pay attention to its appearance. If there is any moisture at all around or on top of it, don’t try to move it—just use caution. Even if it isn’t leaking yet but looks like it might soon (i.e., discoloration), get someone who knows what they’re doing involved as soon as possible. Properly dispose of any leaky batteries by following these steps.

Batteries contain varying levels of alkaline, acid or other types of chemical mixes. Mixing these batteries will result in an explosion that can cause burns or worse. This is true even if they are different voltages (e.g., mixing a 9V with a 3V battery). To avoid mixing batteries when disposing of them, use different colored bags for each type so you don’t accidentally throw two 9Vs into one bag. Or keep a list in your office to make sure you don’t have any accidents! Additionally, if you have rechargeable batteries, you may be able to donate them to some companies like Call2Recycle who will come pick up your old batteries from wherever is most convenient for you!

The most common reason for batteries causing fires is that they are inappropriately disposed of. A lot of people store their batteries together in plastic bags or containers which can cause them to heat up and overheat. Always use a plastic or glass container when storing your batteries; never put them in paper/cardboard boxes. In fact, always keep your batteries away from any paper/cardboard material since even a little bit could cause an overheating issue. Additionally, you should always insulate metal objects from your battery with something like electrical tape; if two metal objects touch (e.g., the back of a watch) then heat may be generated which could result in an explosion.

To dispose of used batteries properly you’ll need to understand what you have. Old-fashioned household batteries are typically labeled with a triangle inside a circle design. This stands for mercury (the symbol for quicksilver), aluminum (symbolizing bauxite or alumina), sodium (for salt or natron) and hydrogen (the most abundant element in our universe). Newer button-style batteries tend to look like coins; these are often silver-colored though some manufacturers also use a gray color scheme as well. These batteries may be marked with a CRV symbol—this stands for cadmium, which is a heavy metal that is toxic if ingested. If your battery doesn’t bear any markings at all it’s probably best to err on the side of caution and treat it as an alkaline battery until you can determine otherwise. Remember, just because they don’t carry a label doesn’t mean they aren’t dangerous! Some people recommend mixing all of your batteries together into one large container and then taking them to a recycling center or hazardous waste facility. Others say you should always separate them by type before disposing of them. What’s certain is that most experts agree we shouldn’t toss batteries into landfills since they contain materials that aren’t biodegradable—and their contents can leak out over time.

Car batteries are made of lead, acid, and plastic, all of which can be recycled. Recycling car batteries helps to conserve resources and prevent pollution. Here are the steps on how to recycle car batteries:

There are many places that recycle car batteries, including auto parts stores, scrap metal yards, and some hazardous waste disposal facilities. You can use a search engine to find a recycling center near you.

You may want to have a mechanic remove the battery for you, or you can do it yourself. If you are removing the battery yourself, be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from the acid.

Once you have removed the battery from your car, take it to the recycling center. The recycling center will pay you a small amount for the battery.

The best place to return it to is the store where you bought a new battery.  You were probably charged a core charge when you bought your new battery, and you can get that refunded if you bring your old battery to them.