Millions of batteries of all types and sizes are disposed of every year in the United States. However, they contain several hazardous substances, including heavy metals and acids, which become serious environmental problems if not disposed of properly. If you want to know how to dispose of batteries, follow these guidelines.
Steps
Step 1. Understand the disposal classifications of different types of batteries
Batteries contain highly toxic chemicals that are considered hazardous waste. Some of the most common types of batteries and their disposal methods are:
Alkaline or Manganese: This type is used for flashes, toys, remote controls and smoke alarms. The size ranges from AAA to 9 volts. In the USA, except in California where strict disposal guidelines are in place, alkaline batteries are considered municipal waste and can be disposed of normally
Step 2. Carbon-zinc:
Regarded as rugged batteries, this type is manufactured in all standard sizes and is not classified as hazardous. Like alkaline batteries, they can be thrown in the trash.
Step 3. Button:
This type of battery is used for hearing aids and watches and contains mercury oxide, lithium, silver oxide or zinc-air. These materials are considered hazardous and must be taken to a collection center for hazardous materials of domestic origin for appropriate treatment.
Step 4. Lithium and Lithium-ion:
Lithium batteries are used in several small devices and have been labeled as non-hazardous by the government. They are accepted at battery recycling centers.
Step 5. Rechargeable, alkaline or nickel metal hydride:
These types can be disposed of via the normal municipal waste cycle.
Step 6. Rechargeable, sealed lead-acid or nickel-cadmium:
These types must be taken either to a hazardous waste site of domestic origin or to a recycling center.
Step 7. Lead-acid, for vehicles:
Car batteries contain sulfuric acid and are 6 or 12 volts. This type is large in size and contains highly corrosive material. Many vehicle battery dealers will dispose of your old battery when you purchase a new one. Metal recyclers will also buy your old battery as a scrap.
Step 8. Dispose of your exhausted batteries properly
The US Environmental Protection Agency and other Bodies raise awareness in order to convince them to take all the batteries to a collection site for hazardous waste of domestic origin or to authorized recycling centers. Batteries that are mistakenly discarded in municipal waste can have serious effects on the environment, which include:
- Saturation of landfills, with possible percolation into the soil and infiltration into the aquifers of drinking water.
- Entry into the atmosphere after incineration. Some metals can be absorbed by the tissues of organisms, with deleterious effects on their health.
Step 9. Get familiar with the use of eco-friendly batteries
With a careful and prudent choice, you can choose batteries that have lower levels of heavy metals, reducing the environmental impact in landfills and hazardous waste sites. Some simple steps you can follow are:
- Select alkaline batteries whenever possible. Alkaline battery manufacturers have been reducing the amount of mercury since 1984.
- Opt for silver oxide or zinc air batteries instead of mercury oxide, which contain higher levels of heavy metals.
- Use rechargeable batteries whenever possible. Recyclable batteries help reduce the environmental impact of dozens of discharged single-use batteries. However, they contain heavy metals.
- Purchase manual or solar powered devices whenever possible.
