It’s estimated that, at any given moment, the average person living in the United States is using about ten different batteries to power their various devices. Obviously, this totals up to a lot of batteries, and where do they all go? In many cases, right into the trash, where they burn, releasing toxic chemicals that contaminate our environment. Luckily, over the past few years, various methods have been developed that allow battery consumers like us to dispose of them in a more responsible matter. It’s called battery recycling, and, if done properly, it can help to make our society not only more efficient, but more conscious of the environment.
Why Should You Recycle Batteries?
But before we dive into what exactly these solutions are, we need to talk about why are they are important in the first place. Whenever a battery is disposed of in the trash, it is taken to a landfill and burned. While they no longer contain mercury, as of the Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act of 1996, the burning of batteries still releases harmful chemicals. When the metal is burned, the vapor can settle into lakes and streams, where it contaminates the water. Leaks from landfills, specifically including melted metal, can leach into the environment around it, poisoning the soil and animals in the area. These are just two of the many negative effects throwing out batteries can have. So if throwing them out isn't so great, how can we recycle them?
Non-Reusable Batteries
It should be noted that the method you use to recycle batteries depends on the type of battery you are looking to recycle. In this post, I'll be focusing on the three major types: Single-Use (alkaline and lithium), Rechargeable, and what are known as Button Batteries (which we will discuss later). Starting with non-reusable batteries, it may be harder to recycle these, as they normally don't contain any valuable metals that a company would want to get back. However, there are still a couple methods we can use to avoid throwing them out, so here is a brief synopsis of each:
Call2Recycle Shipping- while the organization Call2Recycle hosts a multitude of different methods to dispose of batteries, the best option for Non-Reusables are undoubtedly to ship them. By clicking here, you can purchase boxes that, once filled with batteries, are sent back to the organization to recycle. Prices range from 40 to 65 dollars depending on which box you purchase, so while they are worthy investments they can be a bit expensive.
Drop Off Locations- while this usually works best for rechargeable batteries, there are still some drop off sites that will accept non-reusables. Click here to be taken to a website that will allow you to search your area for disposal locations specific to the type of battery you are looking to recycle.
Rechargeable Batteries
Obviously, the two methods that were mentioned above work for rechargeable batteries as well. However, here are a few more methods one can use that relate more specifically to rechargeable batteries:
Save them!- the best way to recycle a rechargeable battery is to avoid recycling them at all. Unless the battery is broken beyond repair, it's best to keep and use them for other purposes. Even if you don't have a particular use for the battery just yet, consider saving them until you do. However, a recycled battery IS better than one left lying around the house, so if you are sure that you won't use then then consider recycling.
Store Drop Offs- many stores around the country (like Best Buy or Staples) partner with battery recycling organizations to create collection sites. To find out whether or not a store near you has one of these collections sites, there are a few different approaches you can take. One, you can call in to the store, and ask that way, or you can look at Call2Recycle's Collection Partners by clicking here. While they do provide an easy and free way to drop off your batteries, it should be noted that many sites only accept rechargeables, so keep that in mind.
Battery Solutions- while this isn't specific to rechargeable batteries, Battery Solutions is another organization where you can buy packaging from them and ship back your old batteries. They have quite a few more choices in that regard than Call2Recycle does, so if you don't find what you are looking for there this website is certainly worth taking a look at.
Button Batteries
These batteries specifically, found within hearing aids and watches, are probably the most difficult batteries to recycle. Because of the materials they are made out of, there aren't many drop off locations or opportunities to ship them, but there is still one option for all of us looking to get rid of them in a responsible way. Many manufacturers of these batteries offer recycling programs ahead of time, so the best way to try and get rid of these batteries is to call the manufacturer. Normally the manufacturer of the product you buy, rather than the manufacturer of the battery itself, will have this plan, so you can call or email the company to find out.
Conclusion
So, while it may seem a bit convoluted at first, battery recycling can actually be quite simple once you have an idea of what to do. Figuring out what type of battery you have is simple enough, and then depending on that type, utilizing the specific disposal method can make the process painless and easy. It's a shame that so many batteries have to be thrown out, and it's surprising that there hasn't yet been a better way for everyone to recycle their batteries, but nonetheless there are still methods to get rid of them for those who are willing to take the time to do so. And, even if it might cost a bit of money to complete, it goes a long way towards making our society sustainable and efficient. So, next time you think about throwing out those old batteries, consider recycling them instead. It's just another small way we can help the environment each and every day.
All credit for information used in this post goes to:
https://www.batterysolutions.com/store/
https://www.call2recycle.org/start-recycling/
https://www.wikihow.com/Recycle-Batteries
https://www.epa.gov/mercury/environmental-laws-apply-mercury
Images:
http://wonderfulengineering.com/what-is-an-electric-battery/
http://drkfs.net/bestbattery.htm
http://trulycurious.com/index.php/2018/02/20/more-power-to-the-magnesium-battery/
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/551491-REG/Duracell_MN1500B2_AA_1_5v_Alkaline_Coppertop.html
http://www.rcbc.ca/content/epr-programs-summary
http://www.acwastewatcher.org/recycle/our-recycling-drop-off-locations/
https://www.toysrus.com/products/rechargeable-batteries.jsp
https://3dprint.com/63602/best-buy-cube-3d-printer/
https://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/can-home-solar-batteries-be-recycled
https://newsatjama.jama.com/2012/08/31/child-injuries-and-deaths-from-button-batteries-increasing/
http://ecomerge.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-importance-of-recycling-batteries.html
ความคิดเห็น