Jul 07, 2021 Pageview:549
The world we live in is suffering a great deal and is degenerated due to the waste that we constantly pump into it. This often comes back affecting due to the setup ecosystem. As a result of pollution, the agency has called up for the formation of organizations to look up into this issue, and experts have suggested three methods efficient to it- Reuse, Reduce and Recycling. One of the things that are calling out our attention is the use, recycling, and disposal of car batteries in this environment filled with automobiles. Car batteries can really cause great harm to the environment if not handled in the right way. Thus we turn our focus on how we can recycle, dispose of them, and whether it is better to recycle or dispose of them.
How do you recycle car batteries?
By law, car batteries must not be disposed of with household waste. Most car batteries are lead batteries, and 99 percent of lead batteries can be recycled. This will be of vantage since it achieves reduced waste, reduces the need for new raw materials to make components. Car batteries may be accepted at various car retailers, and as you head to purchase new ones, drop the old ones at the place. You can also take them to place where they can be accepted, such as garages and scrap metal facilities.
Recycling Car Battery Process
From the drop-off locations, used batteries are collected and taken to the recycling centers. Here the process of recycling advances as follows;
Polypropylene which is the plastic case, is separated from lead.
The lead is melted down in a furnace and is reused to manufacture new batteries.
Polypropylene is also cleaned and recycled.
The acid in the battery is neutralized and treated, and again we have a new battery. Other products such as cleaners may also be produced.
Up to 88 percent of the batteries used in our new automobile are made from recycled materials. This process can be done as many times as possible.
How do you properly dispose of batteries?
Batteries are used in our daily activities both in small gadgets and in automobiles. A problem now arises when we are done with them, how do we dispose of them? Bearing in mind the hazardous materials that include the heavy metal and acids they contain. If not discarded in the right manner, the environment is going to be seriously harmed. To know the kind of battery you are using, whether it is single-use or rechargeable, it is important for you to know what step to take.
Trash Disposal
For a single-use battery that comes in a variety like AA, AAA, 9V, C, or D cell, they are safe enough to be thrown into the trash, but it's wise not to do so. This because they are going to the landfill where they will contribute to solid waste. An exception to trash disposal is a button cell battery found in a watch. It is hazardous and should be disposed of like a rechargeable battery. Single battery use can also be recycled at a certain amount of fee.
Recycling
Unlike single battery use, rechargeable batteries cannot be trashed. Many electronics contain these types of batteries. They include; Nickel-metal hydride and nickel-cadmium batteries, Lithium-ion batteries, Small sealed lead-acid batteries. These kinds of batteries contain metals like cadmium, lead, and mercury, which are very hazardous to the environment. There are recycling facilities and office supply stores stationed to accept batteries for recycling.
How to prepare batteries for disposal
1.Keep them away from the reach of children and pets- since many batteries contain hazardous material, it will be prudent as you await disposal to keep in places where children may not find and play with them or pets swallowing them.
2.Batteries are stored in a cool, dry place- Do not store your battery near flammable materials since they are portentous to cause fire hazards. Rapture and leak may also be caused if your batteries become corroded or overheated.
3.Tape terminals of your batteries- dead batteries sometimes carry charges in small amounts. Electric current may be created if the positive and negative terminal touch and may cause a fire. Covering up the terminal with tape will help minimize this problem.
4.Storage should be done in cardboard, and plastic containers- Cardboards and plastic containers are attributed to be non-conductive material and thus would reduce the risk of fire raptures or leakages.
5.Different types of batteries should not be stored together- Storing different batteries differently to avoid chemical reactions that may result in reactions that are harmful.
Should you recycle batteries or throw them away?
Maybe you are wondering you should throw batteries away or recycle them. Looking at the pros and cons of the two decisions, batteries should be recycled. This is because they are valuable even after they have been used.
Recycling facilities sort the collected batteries chemically. The batteries are then used as raw materials that are used to make other products. Zinc, Lead, and Nickel is some of the valuable metals that can be reused from old batteries. This preserves virgin resources.
The object of Environmental conservation is achieved by recycling. When batteries having toxic chemicals are carelessly thrown away, there is harm to the ecosystem and groundwater due to chemical leaks.
Safety also is compromised when batteries are not recycled and thrown carelessly. Careless disposal may lead to overheat and cause a fire. Thus as it has emerged, recycling is the best way of use to dispose of batteries.
In Conclusion
Since we highly use batteries in our day-to-day life, from cars to laptops, we should be compelled and convinced at this moment that it is best to recycle than to throwing batteries into the trash. "Take care of your environment, and it will take care of you," said Martha Karua, a Kenyan environmentalist, and true recycling does this. It also creates new products, prevents fires, and so on. So go on a search for recycling facilities that are near you, and your batteries will have another life.
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