EveryDay Info

Most of us recognize the importance of recycling paper, plastic and glass, but forget about recycling batteries. That less than 5% of batteries get recycled proves the point. That figure should be much, much higher, as recycling batteries is no more difficult that recycling anything else. So, if you are not currently recycling the batteries that you use, the question is – why not?

Many supermarkets and shops that sell batteries now have collection boxes for used batteries. Also, some town halls, libraries or schools have also set up collection points for recycling batteries. So, it is no excuse to say that recycling batteries is too inconvenient. If you spend five minutes looking online for places to recycle batteries in your local area then you will certainly find a few.

Let’s now look at the most common battery types in a bit more detail…

Button batteries :  These small circular batteries are found in watches and hearing aids. If they are recycled then the mercury-oxide or silver-oxide within them can be reclaimed and used in the production of new batteries. They do not always advertise the fact (though they should do), but jewelers and pharmacies are happy to take these expired batteries from you.

Car batteries : These are probably the worst types of batteries for the environment, but they are also very recyclable. The plastic components can be melted down and used to make new plastic products and the lead can be used to make new batteries. You can take your used car batteries to most car battery sellers, who are obliged by law in most countries to recycle them.

Household batteries : These are the most common types of batteries and you will surely have at least some of them in use your house at the moment. They are not easy to turn into new batteries, but they should be taken to recycling points anyway. Though they may not be able to be used for any new purpose, at least they will be disposed of properly rather than being left in a landfill to damage the environment.

Continue : Battery Disposal