North Americans purchase, and use millions of batteries every year. Each of them contains minerals from Earth, that we cannot manufacture ourselves. It makes good sense to use these materials as wisely as possible. We discuss recycling primary batteries responsibly, so we can use their constituents over and over again. This would not be possible, unless we all participate.
We Need to Be Smarter About Recycling Primary Batteries
Primary batteries are the ones we cannot recharge, once they are flat. We need to be mindful before we purchase them for our gadgets. What type of battery are they, can we purchase alternative, rechargeable ones we could use over and over again.
We ought to be careful what we do with batteries after their lives are spent. That’s because they may contain cadmium, cobalt, nickel, silver, lead, and other metals that could be harmful. That’s harmful to people, pets and our natural environment too.
Recycling Primary Alkaline and Zinc Carbon Batteries
Single-use alkaline and zinc carbon batteries are popular choices for alarm clocks, calculators, flashlights, and TV remote controls. As well as for radios, remote-control products, and children’s toys that accept 9-Volt, AA, AAA, C, D, and penny button sizes.
Check with your local recycling company to see whether they accept them. They ought to, but if they don’t, then U.S. Department of Energy says discard them in your trash. It seems recycling primary batteries like these have a long way to go.
Disposing of Single-Use Lithium Batteries
We find single-use lithium technology in some penny button batteries, as well as cameras, watches, remote controls, handheld games, and smoke detectors. It can be difficult to distinguish them from alkaline and zinc alternatives, unless we read the labels carefully.
Even spent ones can be dangerous for children, especially penny button types. Bag used lithium batteries separately, label them as such, and hand them over at your recycling depot. Never, ever throw them in the trash.
More Information
Series and Parallel Battery Connections
Capacity and Battery Ratings Unpacked
