Storing Dead Batteries Before Disposal
The Importance Of Proper Battery Disposal
The average person throws away 8 batteries per year. Collectively, we dispose of over 3 billion batteries annually in the United States. According to Science Direct, the UK, with one-fifth of the US population, generates 30,000 tons of wasted general purpose batteries annually. Less than 23 percent of them are recycled. The interaction of the chemical constructs of these wasted batteries poses a threat to the environment.
The availability of the nickel metal hydride battery played a crucial role in facilitating Europes banning of the nickel-cadmium battery in the EECs Battery Directive of 2009. Nickel-cadmium batteries along with lead-acid batteries currently represent the greatest environmental threat from energy storage devices. Lithium batteries are, to the surprise of some, quickly following suit. Lithium-ion batteries may be only mildly toxic, but factors including their size, sheer number, and their improper disposal, contribute to their addition to the list of polluting battery chemistries.
To be clear, the problem is not a particular battery chemistry. The issue is its disposal.
Lets take a brief look at the recycling of different chemistries and their recycling issues. At the end of this post, we will provide some practical battery recycling takeaways.
Tips For The Proper Disposal Of Batteries
Batteries can pose a challenge for businesses and households looking to do the right thing in terms of waste management. From small batteries in watches, to standard AA, AAA, C and D to computer and car batteries, proper disposal techniques can be confusing.Batteries are electrochemical in nature, converting the substances within them into electrical energy. Some contain heavy metals like lead, mercury, nickel and cadmium as well as corrosive acids. These materials can contaminate the environment if batteries are not disposed of properly. Placing larger toxic batteries in landfills can pollute the soil and groundwater. Burning them can release toxic materials into the atmosphere.
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How To Dispose Of Alkaline Batteries
Alkaline batteries are the AA, AAA, 9 volts, and D cells that power remote controls, clocks, flashlights, smoke detectors, and wireless consumer devices. Even when the cells no longer run devices, the batteries are still capable of producing electricity. They can be hazardous if discarded improperly. Follow these precautions before throwing them out:
- Collect used household batteries in a safe container such as a cardboard box or plastic tub.
- Prevent any fire risk by taping 9-volt battery terminals before tossing. This process is called as terminal protection.
We at Recycle My Battery always encourage you to drop them at your state hazardous waste disposal facility. If any kids want to lead the effort locally at their school, we can help them provide battery bins with the help of .
Learning Local Battery Disposal Regulations
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How To Properly Dispose Of Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable batteries come in many forms and sizes and are used across a wide variety of products from cell phones, to cars, to laptops, and tablets. In the US, the demand for rechargeable batteries is growing twice as fast as the demand for non-rechargeable ones. So one can only wonder where all these are going to end up once they are no longer usable.
Owing to their rechargeable nature, they are usually considered a bit eco-friendly. The issue however comes when they lose their recharging capability and makes it necessary to dispose of them.
Disposing of them can pose a huge risk to the environment. Rechargeable batteries have toxic substances and chemicals in them. For this reason, they should never be carelessly discarded or thrown in landfills. Its also worth noting that disposing of rechargeable batteries in the garbage is illegal in most places.
So how can a person dispose of these rechargeable batteries?
Truthfully speaking, it isnt as hard as it may seem. Some of the good news about these rechargeable batteries is that they actually have some materials in them that can be recycled and re-used. 90% of the materials used in rechargeable batteries can be re-used. Some of these materials that can be recovered for re-use include magnetic alloys and stainless steel.
To properly dispose of rechargeable batteries, we need to find out the different types of rechargeable batteries. They include:
- Lead-acid batteries
What types of hazards are in car batteries?
Nickel Metal Hydride Battery Recycling
The rise of Ni-MH batteries to replace Ni-CD in Europe by mandate, and to supplant Ni-CD use in the US was propelled by its environmental friendliness. Although they are toxic, the milder toxicity of nickel metal hydride battery substances pales in comparison to that of nickel-cadmium batteries. This should not be construed to mean they should not be recycled. Any nickel-based battery should be taken to the designated recycling area or bin for recycling, or housed in a secure wall landfill according to the municipal ordinances established in your area however, in the absence or unavailability of disposal services, it is currently believed that less than ten individual batteries discarded along with household waste is currently environmentally tolerable.
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Can You Store 9 Volt Batteries In A Drawer
Store batteries standing up. 9-volt batteries should not be stored loose in a drawer. Do not store them in containers with other batteries. 9-volt batteries should not be thrown away with trash. They can come in contact with other batteries or pieces of metal. 9-volt batteries can be taken to a collection site for household hazardous waste.
Where To Drop Your Batteries
- The Household Hazardous Waste Depot accepts both single-use and rechargeable batteries.
- Residents may also drop off used single-use and rechargeable batteries at these locations for recycling:
- City Hall, 216 Ontario St.
The City usually collects single-use batteries twice a year in the spring and fall.
How to put out batteries so they are picked up on your collection week
Place your single-use batteries in a zipper-style plastic bag beside your recycling box.
9V batteries should be taped to prevent accidental discharge. Batteries exceeding a standard D-Cell battery in size are not acceptable in the program.
Please do not place the battery bags inside your blue or grey box.
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How To Properly Dispose Of Lithium
Lithium-ion batteries are pretty great! Theyre found in lots of electronic devices like smartphones and laptops. Theyre a pretty sweet piece of technology, but they however have a tendency to catch fire easily.
Unlike the name suggests, Li-ion batteries are actually made up of little lithium. They mostly contain other metals like iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, and aluminum. Some of these can be pretty toxic to humans if released into the environment.
Disposing of Li-ion batteries can be difficult at times. Its always advisable to never throw them in the garbage. This is because the batteries are pretty fragile and if a garbage compacter crushes the battery, a fire could easily start.
They burn at very high temperatures and the fire is hard to stop once it starts. So never throw your old Li-ion batteries in the recycling bin or trash.
So how can one dispose of old Li-ion batteries? Some of the materials found in Li-ion batteries can be recycled for reuse. So there are several organizations that can help you dispose of Li-ion batteries.
You can research for a local recycling center near you. If you are lucky enough to find one, you can drop off your batteries there and they will take care of recycling the batteries on your behalf.
Follow these simple guidelines and youll be rid of your Li-ion batteries in no time!
How To Properly Dispose Of Lead
Have you ever wondered where your old car battery goes when you replace it? Most of the time, it gets recycled. Lead-acid batteries are used in boats, buses, and also golf carts. They are also used by utility companies to prevent power outages.
Lead-acid batteries are hazardous waste. For this reason, they cannot be disposed of in incinerators and landfills because they are too toxic. These toxic substances can leak into the environment and pollute it.
If you are wondering what to do with an old lead-acid battery that you no longer use, we have the scoop for you. You should have it recycled. There are a few ways you can properly dispose of it. These include:
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Can Batteries Be Discarded
Chemicals and metals included in batteries react to create electrical energy.
Although recycling batteries is recommended for the environment, certain varieties may be thrown away.
Alkaline batteries that are often found in homes are not deemed harmful.
Alkaline batteries may be thrown away with regular garbage.
Silver and mercury are found in button cell batteries, which are used in things like watches and remote auto starters.
They have to be reused.
All home batteries are considered hazardous trash in California.
Batteries must be transported to a facility for disposing of domestic hazardous trash.
Recycling at a state-approved recycling center is an additional choice.
How To Recycle Non
Take non-rechargeable batteries to a participating retailer for recycling, free of charge.
Retailer locations include:
You can also use home pickup services like Tricky Trash for battery recycling .
This includes lithium primary batteries and alkaline/single-use household batteries. These batteries are commonly found in watches, car remotes, TV remote controls, and calculators.
Special instructions
For safety precautions, tape over the ends of each individual lithium battery. This also applies to button style batteries. Separate your taped lithium batteries by putting inside a Ziploc bag and sealing shut.
Taping off the ends of your batteries will ensure that they cannot touch each other to prevent a fire from occurring.
Why cant batteries go into the carts?
Batteries need to be separated and taken to a different location for safe handling. If they end up in any of the bins, the batteries can get crushed leading to fires at the recycling facility, composting facility and landfill sites.
For a full list of options, visit the battery recycling website:
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How To Properly Dispose Of Non
Non-rechargeable batteries cannot be recharged for reuse after they lose their power. When this happens they can only be disposed of. These batteries power most household items like flashlights, smoke alarms, remote controls, and watches.
Unlike rechargeable batteries, Non-rechargeable batteries are a little bit simple to dispose of. In the 1990s, you probably heard that you shouldnt throw away AA, AAA, or other batteries. This is because in those days most of these batteries were made using harmful heavy metals like mercury, lead, calcium, cadmium, and nickel.
Nowadays, this is no longer the case. Manufacturers stopped using these materials to make batteries.
This makes non-rechargeable batteries a little less toxic. Non-rechargeable batteries are nowadays rather chemically benign. They only contain some corrosive chemicals which can be harmful to humans and animals.
Before we can talk about how to properly dispose of them, we need to find out the types of non-rechargeable batteries there are. They include:
- Alkaline batteries
Extra Considerations For Recycling Batteries
Whenever possible, recycling is the best option since some batteries are dangerous for the environment. If you’re going to recycle batteries, keep these points in mind:
- If you’re recycling an old laptop, remove the battery. The battery and laptop need to be submitted separately for recycling.
- If you’re recycling a smartphone, you don’t have to remove the battery. You can recycle the battery and phone together.
- If you’re keeping the phone, and want to get rid of the battery that’s no longer charging, take the phone to an authorized dealer to have the battery removed and replaced with a new one.
- If you’re disposing or recycling a rechargeable battery by shipping rather than in person, check for additional procedures or packaging the facility you’re shipping to requires.
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Disposing Of Alkaline Batteries
Most places dont accept single-use alkaline batteries for recycling. You cant take single-use batteries to Call2Recycle drop-off sites at The Home Depot.
In most places, you can put alkaline batteries, such as AA, AAA and D batteries, in the trash. They can be carried out to the curb with the rest of your household garbage. Many landfills will also accept trash bags that contain alkaline batteries. However, in the state of California, it is illegal to throw away any kind of battery, including alkaline batteries.
Even when single-use batteries can no longer run devices, they can still produce current. They can be hazardous if discarded improperly. Collect used household batteries in a container. A cardboard box or plastic tub is a safe option. Prevent any fire risk by taping 9-volt battery terminals before getting rid of them. You can use a piece of masking, electrical or duct tape.
Where To Put Rechargeable Batteries After Use
Lithium-ion and nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries are two common varieties.
The nickel-metal hydride, nickel-zinc, and small sealed lead batteries are additional types.
If improperly disposed of, the toxic metals used to produce energy in these batteries can harm the environment.
Alkaline batteries have a similar appearance to rechargeable 9-volt batteries, AA and AAA batteries, and D cells for household use.
The distinction is that they are plug-in charger compatible.
Battery rechargers are recycled.
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How To Dispose Of Batteries
Batteries power a range of items and make life much easier. But when batteries die or wont charge, its time to get rid of them. The ways to get rid of batteries can vary, depending on the battery type and where you live.
This guide will review how to dispose of batteries and covers how to recycle batteries. It includes information on single-use batteries and rechargeable batteries.
How To Prepare Batteries For Disposal Or Recycling
Before discarding your batteries, cover the battery contacts with non-conductive masking or electrical tape. Alternatively, put each battery into a small plastic bag so that they don’t touch other batteries. Doing this is especially important for units that may be leaking.
Use electrical tape since cellophane tape is prone to static electricity and doesn’t always stick well. If you have several batteries, tape the contacts, then put the batteries in a non-conductive plastic or cardboard container for safe transport to a local electronics recycling center.
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What Can You Do With Old 9v Batteries
How to recycle single-use batteries:
Are 9v batteries recyclable?
Also see Fluorescent Lamps and Tubes and Universal Waste. Batteries are considered hazardous waste in California when they are discarded. This includes AAA, AA, C, D, button cell, 9-volt, and all other batteries, both rechargeable and single-use. Batteries are potentially a valuable source of recyclable metal.
How do you properly dispose of batteries?
Ordinary Batteries: Regular alkaline, manganese, and carbon-zinc batteries are not considered hazardous waste and can be disposed of with ordinary trash. Other common single use or rechargeable batteries such as lithium and button batteries are recyclable, but access to recycling may not be available in all locations.