Batteries are everywhere, and they’re not going away anytime soon, so it’s important to dispose of them properly to protect the environment and keep you and your family safe. Unfortunately, most people don’t know how to dispose of batteries safely, often due to misinformation or lack of awareness. However, you can properly dispose of batteries if you keep these tips in mind.
Accidents are common
And they’re dangerous. According to a U.S. Geological Survey, each year nearly two dozen Americans are accidentally killed by alkaline batteries that were left in fireplaces or microwaves (this doesn’t include people who manage to swallow a battery). Yikes! What can you do to avoid being part of those statistics? Here are five easy steps for proper battery disposal
Never Mix Different Types of Batteries
Batteries contain varying levels of alkaline, acid or other types of chemical mixes. Mixing these batteries will result in an explosion that can cause burns or worse. This is true even if they are different voltages (e.g., mixing a 9V with a 3V battery). To avoid mixing batteries when disposing of them, use different colored bags for each type so you don’t accidentally throw two 9Vs into one bag. Or keep a list in your office to make sure you don’t have any accidents! Additionally, if you have rechargeable batteries, you may be able to donate them to some companies like Call2Recycle who will come pick up your old batteries from wherever is most convenient for you!
Always Check for Leaks
Whenever you encounter a battery that looks like it might be leaking, pay attention to its appearance. If there is any moisture at all around or on top of it, don’t try to move it—just use caution. Even if it isn’t leaking yet but looks like it might soon (i.e., discoloration), get someone who knows what they’re doing involved as soon as possible. Properly dispose of any leaky batteries by following these steps
Use Plastic or Glass Containers
The most common reason for batteries causing fires is that they are inappropriately disposed of. A lot of people store their batteries together in plastic bags or containers which can cause them to heat up and overheat. Always use a plastic or glass container when storing your batteries; never put them in paper/cardboard boxes. In fact, always keep your batteries away from any paper/cardboard material since even a little bit could cause an overheating issue. Additionally you should always insulate metal objects from your battery with something like electrical tape; if two metal objects touch (e.g., the back of a watch) then heat may be generated which could result in an explosion.
Take them to Recycling Centers
In large metropolitan areas, there are usually ecobricks or battery drop-off stations where you can bring old batteries. Even though they are labeled lead acid batteries these types of stations accept all varieties of lead-acid batteries. Usually each site has its own procedures for what to do when you get there but a good rule of thumb is to remove them from your car/home and carry them in a clear plastic bag so that you can tell if any are leaking as soon as possible. When you arrive at your destination make sure to remove any electrical tape holding them together before putting them in their container.
Label Your Boxes
To dispose of used batteries properly you’ll need to understand what you have. Old-fashioned household batteries are typically labeled with a triangle inside a circle design. This stands for mercury (the symbol for quicksilver), aluminum (symbolizing bauxite or alumina), sodium (for salt or natron) and hydrogen (the most abundant element in our universe). Newer button-style batteries tend to look like coins; these are often silver-colored though some manufacturers also use a gray color scheme as well. These batteries may be marked with a CRV symbol—this stands for cadmium, which is a heavy metal that is toxic if ingested. If your battery doesn’t bear any markings at all it’s probably best to err on the side of caution and treat it as an alkaline battery until you can determine otherwise. Remember, just because they don’t carry a label doesn’t mean they aren’t dangerous! Some people recommend mixing all of your batteries together into one large container and then taking them to a recycling center or hazardous waste facility. Others say you should always separate them by type before disposing of them. What’s certain is that most experts agree we shouldn’t toss batteries into landfills since they contain materials that aren’t biodegradable—and their contents can leak out over time. A good way to cut down on waste might be to buy rechargeable batteries and recycle those when they die instead of throwing them away. But even better than that would be finding ways to avoid using so many disposable products altogether!