Mar 11, 2021 Pageview:1192
Today we are living in a high-tech-based era where it is just next to impossible to function without batteries. Due to this, there stands no point of denying in the fact that there has been a rapid increase in the need of rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries. Over the last few decades, there has been a massive evolution in the chemistries of batteries.
It won’t be wrong here to proclaim that the demand for batteries has increased because of the fact that there are hundreds of users who are carrying electronic devices that consumes electricity and power. But do you know that due to the irresponsible disposal of batteries, the environment is depleting to a great extent? So, there are certain things that you should take into account when you are disposing of batteries.
Electronic devices such as digital cameras, remotes, laptops, mobile phones, electric toys, etc., require a change of batteries every now and then. It is true that electric devices work on batteries as it converts chemical energy in the form of electrical energy. Once the batteries are fully exhausted, it becomes the responsibility of the consumers to dispose of them in the right manner as they contain heavy and sometimes hazardous metals and chemicals as well.
Still, hundreds of people put dead and old batteries in the trash, thinking it will not harm anyone. However, it is extremely significant to understand that it can have negative impacts on the environment and human health too. Therefore, there are certain vital things that you should remember when it comes to dead batteries and their disposal.
As soon as the battery stops providing power or stops holding the charge, it is the best time to replace them. As mentioned earlier, generally, there are 2 types of batteries rechargeable and non-rechargeable, rechargeable 9-volt battery, car batteries, and other small batteries of the watch include heavy metals and toxic chemicals; therefore, it is extremely imperative for you to understand its disposal method.
Here it is important to highlight the fact that dead batteries are never completely dead, so they should be stored and disposed of in a correct manner in order to prevent fire. All the old batteries should be stored in a cool and dry area as they should not be kept in extreme heat or near ant flammable material. Make sure that there is no moisture or humidity in a well; therefore, to maintain safety precautions, it is suggested to use a plastic or cardboard box rather than a metal box.
There are many countries that have made strict legislation in order to prevent old and dead batteries from ending up in water bodies and landfills. So, instead of throwing them, it is always better to recycle them. Recycling batteries is a preferable and favorable method because it is economical and does not harm the environment as well. However, recycling and its disposal depend on the basis of battery type.
Ordinary batteries like regular alkaline batteries, manganese, carbon-zinc batteries are not treated as hazardous waste, so you can easily dispose of them with ordinary trash. Other rechargeable or single-use batteries like lithium batteries can be recycled, but access to recycling might not be available in every location. But you can always take them to a hazardous household waste collection center or events. In some cities, health departments have made certain drop-off locations where you can give away such old and dead batteries.
On the other side, when it comes to universal waste batteries like nickel-cadmium and other small sealed lead acid rechargeable batteries, which are commonly used in security systems, alarms, emergency lightings, exit signs, etc., are rechargeable in nature. All the universal waste batteries have a label on them which states “Battery must be recycled” or “battery must be disposed of properly.” You can get these batteries recycled at a different local recycling center.
It is suggested to recycle such old batteries because it contains cadmium and/or lead which can be leaked, vaporized, or leach from incinerator waste if they are not disposed of properly. During their recycling, all the heavy metals are eliminated from the batteries so that they do not harm the environment. Here are some solutions for recycling and/or safely disposing of batteries:
?Rechargeable Battery And Cell Phone Drop-Off Locator:
You can check the Call2Recylce website in order to know where you can give used rechargeable batteries for the recycling process.
?Earth911.com:
You can check this website to have information about recyclable household waste management. Here you can find details about household hazardous waste collection centers.
?Local Government Household Hazardous Waste Agencies:
You can check the local government’s website to know about household hazardous waste agencies.
?Retriev Technologies Inc.:
It is a company that does recycling of almost every type and size of the battery. For example, alkaline, lead, lithium, mercury, NiCad, and many others.
?Kinsbursky Brothers Inc.:
It is a US EPA certified battery recycling facility center which is based in California.
Indeed, rechargeable batteries are of great convenience as they are efficient to use. However, you just cannot deny that even rechargeable batteries are not something that will last you forever. Therefore, you can give your rechargeable batteries at Call2Recycle, which is a non-profit battery program that works with The Home Depot.
Since the year 2001, this organization is working with Home Depot and accepts rechargeable battery collection. You can easily find their stores in almost every state in the United States of America as they are committed to serving many customers. At any Home Depot store, you can drop-off all the used portable rechargeable batteries for the purpose of recycling.
All the rechargeable batteries that are common to find in a typical household are accepted here. Such batteries are usually used in laptops, wireless power tools, digital cameras, camcorders, two-way radios, remote-controlled toys, and other handy electronic devices. Any rechargeable battery, including mobile phones and lithium batteries that weighs up to 11 pounds, is accepted at Home Depot stores.
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