Recycle Batteries
Importance of Recycling Batteries
Batteries power today's necessities --- cellphones, small electronics and laptop computers as well as numerous household devices. These portable, versatile power sources figure significantly in making technology accessible. Americans purchase more than 3 billion dry-cell batteries every year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Tossed in the trash, batteries can harm the environment; when ...
Battery Recycling Places
Proper battery disposal is a growing concern due to increased demand for battery-operated products such as cell phones, laptops, video cameras, toys and tools. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, batteries -- particularly those with toxic components -- should be recycled. Different types of batteries require different methods of disposal. Many battery manufacturers, retailers and municipalities ...
Steps for Recycling Rechargeable Batteries
The increase in wireless devices such as phones, laptops, toys and battery-operated tools has increased demand for rechargeable batteries. Many of these batteries contain mercury and cadmium, which are toxic to humans and the environment and require proper disposal. Fortunately, in 1996 Congress passed a law to facilitate rechargeable batteries recycling (see References 5). Many states prohibit their disposal in ...
More Articles on Recycle Batteries
How to Recycle a Lead-Acid Battery
Most states have enacted laws requiring consumers to recycle lead-acid batteries. Coupled with federal laws and prohibitions on lead disposal in landfills, consumers are required to seek appropriate recycling centers for their expended batteries. Fortunately, most retailers of lead-acid batteries take used batteries for recycling. While a few states have enacted small fees for recycling, many states charge no fees and some even allow a deposit paid at the time of purchase to be refunded. (See References 1.)
How Do I Recycle an Old Car Battery?
Ninety-five percent of lead-acid car batteries are recycled, making this one of the most successful recycling efforts in the United States (see References 3). Since car batteries have become the principal use for lead, the high recycling rate for batteries has resulted in a dramatic decrease in the amount of lead being mined (see References 4). State and federal laws enacted to encourage the recycling of a wide range of batteries, as well as laws restricting their disposal in landfills and incinerators, compel consumers to recycle their old car batteries.
The Disposal and Recycling of Batteries
Most common household batteries fall into three categories: dry cell nonrechargeable batteries, dry cell rechargeable batteries and wet cell batteries, which are used for vehicles. Consumers can safely dispose of some household batteries with no special precautions, while others require disposal at special hazardous waste sites. Sometimes batteries -- even those containing heavy metals -- can be recycled.
