How To Throw Away Batteries: Types, Effect And Disposal

Who doesn’t use batteries these days? Although recharging devices is an option now, there are some times where batteries are bound to be used (such as wall clock, remote TVs, and so on). When this happens, we have no choice but to use batteries. What about when the batteries’ lifespan is no longer there? We have no choice but to let go of the battery. We can do so by doing a proper disposal process for the best safety measurements. For this reason, this article will talk about how to throw away batteries, starting from the types of batteries and tips to dispose of them properly.

What type of battery need to be recycled?

There are several kinds of batteries that need to be recycled. Don’t worry about the properties of the batteries, as they are actually recyclable. Those batteries are:

Lead Batteries

Lead batteries are the types of batteries that you definitely have to recycle due to its 100% recyclable rate. Most of the components from lead batteries can be reused, hence why the full one hundred percent rate. This is beneficial for batteries manufacturers, as the recovered components are usually way cheaper than newly-made components.

Some people tend to mistake lead batteries from lithium-ion batteries though due to the similar packaging they have during the recycling process. So make sure that you’ve inspected the components first before taking them.

Lithium-ion Batteries

If lead batteries are recycled for profit, then lithium-ion batteries are recycled for the environment. When lithium-ion batteries are broken apart, there is a high chance that its components and chemicals can damage the environment. For this reason, some regions have strict rules when it comes to recycling lithium-ion batteries. The best way to recycle lithium-ion batteries is to give them to professionals that know the process of recycling lithium-ion batteries.

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Alkaline Batteries

Although alkaline batteries do contain batteries, they are considered as safe to be recycled due to the decreasing amount of alkaline they use now. Moreover, there are some materials within alkaline batteries that can be reused such as zinc and manganese. However, recovering them is a pretty difficult process due to the other components (and the mercury). In fact, some regions now recycle alkaline batteries for environmental purposes rather than for profit these days. For this reason, make sure you check the nearest disposal service and see the regulations for your region. If the region allows you to take the profitable materials, then it is ok for you to do so. However, you need to make sure that you’ve obeyed the safety rules when you recycle them.

Why is it bad to throw batteries in the garbage?

Most people tend to throw their batteries in the normal garbage along with normal trash. However, this is the wrong and the most fatal step that should not be done. Here are the reasons why you should separate batteries from normal garbage:

1. Fragile

Although batteries are strong, they can be pretty fragile at times. If they are thrown with normal garbage, there is a chance that they might be crushed or flattened, and that is the last thing we want to happen.

2. Sensitive

Batteries are actually sensitive. There are some moments that can lead to reactions if two batteries happen to meet each other, whether it’s their connector or physically.

3. Explosive Components

Yes, the components and chemicals inside batteries can actually lead to explosions. Hence, you do not mix them with normal garbage as there are some things in normal garbage that can spread the fire if explosion happens for real.

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How do you dispose of old batteries in the right way?

Here are some tips you can do to dispose of old batteries in the right way:

Separate Batteries From Normal Trash

This is important because batteries are actually not normal trash. This is due to their unique components that can give reactions. One of the most serious reactions is explosions. Because of this, it’s best to separate the battery from normal trash to prevent unnecessary reactions such as explosions. So do not throw batteries in the blue trash can.

Separate Batteries From Flammable Trash

Since we’ve explained the explosion reaction that can be caused by batteries, it makes sense to separate batteries from flammable trash. Make sure that this step is done so that in case the worst scenario happened (explosion), the damage won’t be spread out further

Seal The Batteries

This is probably one of the steps people ten to forget. Most people would just throw the batteries naked without any protection. This is the wrong step. The step that you must do is to package or seal the battery properly so that they won’t be damaged when they are disposed of (punctured, crushed, flattened, and others). If they are damaged, there is a chance that the components inside the battery would leak and cause the unwanted damage we are trying to avoid.

Do Not Throw Batteries In A Large Mass

Again, this is to prevent the unwanted damage batteries can bring. If you’re planning to dispose of more than three batteries or dispose of in bulk, make sure that you do not have too many batteries thrown all at once. So when something happens, there won’t be a chain reaction where other batteries will also be affected.

Seal The Connectors

If you have no choice but to throw more than one battery, make sure that you have sealed the exposed connectors before you throw them away. It is also best to separate the batteries so that they won’t touch each other. You can do so by separating them using tapes or cardboards between the batteries.

It is important for us to do the tips above so that we can dispose of batteries safely without any accident. If you are still unsure, it is best to give the batteries to the dearest recycle center that accepts batteries. Doing this will let professionals take care of the disposal for you.

If you are sure, though, practice the safety regulations so that everything can be handled safely. Good luck and all the best!