Importance Of Recycling Batteries

Importance of Recycling Batteries

Importance of Recycling Batteries

Batteries power today's necessities --- cellphones, small electronics and laptop computers in addition to numerous household devices. These portable, versatile power sources figure significantly in making technology accessible. Tossed in the trash, batteries can harm the environment; when batteries have served their purpose, seek out battery recycling programs.

Battery Overview

Batteries contain pollutants -- including mercury, lead, cadmium and nickel -- that react with chemical electrolytes to make power. Three varieties of batteries are generally recycled: lead-acid automotive batteries, within cars and also other vehicles; nonautomotive lead-based batteries found in security alarms, industrial equipment and emergency lighting; and smaller, dry-cell batteries utilized in most consumer products.

Alkaline, zinc-carbon, button-cell and rechargeable batteries are in the dry-cell category.

Health and Environmental Risks

Battery materials pose no threat to human health when in use, but batteries discarded improperly might have dangerous health and environmental consequences as a result of pollutants the batteries contain. About two-thirds of U.S. household waste is either incinerated or used in a landfill (see References 4). Batteries that find themselves in a landfill can leach chemicals and heavy metals into soil, groundwater, lakes and streams.

When incinerated, batteries release chemical toxins into the air; these metals also enter in the environment in the ash created during incineration (see References 3). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, realizing the hazards batteries pose to human health and the environment, supported passage from the Battery Act in 1996 to advertise recycling and proper disposal. The act also led to an industry phase-out of some mercury-content batteries.

Recycling Laws and Regulations

Many states recognize the dangers from nonrecycled batteries and possess enacted legislation to need proper disposal and recycling; 30 states prohibit people from throwing lead batteries into the trash. Other states have laws governing the disposal of rechargeable batteries and cell phones. Additionally, federal law mandates recycling of nickel-cadmium and lead batteries.

Battery Recycling Programs

More than 95 % of lead-acid car batteries in the U.S. are collected for recycling, often by retailers that sell new batteries (see References 4). Automotive stores and native waste agencies might also accept nonautomotive lead-based batteries for recycling. Call2Recycle has an Internet directory, searchable by Local zip code, for consumers to find recycling locations for dry-cell batteries and cell phones.

The program's website also provides recycling methods for retailers, communities, businesses and public agencies.

by: sunlightbattery

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