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 batteries
are 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.
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Some of the hazards which can occur from improperly
disposed of batteries 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 of all batteries.
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 of batteries: |
Alkaline batteries
are the most common household batteries used today. They are not
able to be recharged and should be disposed of through your local
community battery recycling program.
Nickel-Cadmium
batteries, such as those used in cell phones and digital cameras,
are rechargeable. Once Nickel-Cadmium batteries are spent they need
to be recycled and are highly toxic if disposed of in a landfill.
Nickel Metal Hydride
batteries are used in laptop computers. These batteries are not
toxic and can be 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
batteries 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
rechargeable batteries 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
- Remove batteries from
appliances if they are not going to be used for a long time.
- Do not mix old batteries
with new ones.
- Do not recharge a battery
unless it is specifically marked rechargeable.
- Do not dispose of batteries
in a fire it may cause them to explode.
- Do not open battery casings
Do not insert batteries backwards into any device
