With the explosion of hand-held electronic devices that has occurred in recent decades so also has come growth in the consumption of batteries to power them. Whether you are an end-user or are in the replacement business, you need to do your part to protect our environment from the contamination that can result from improperly disposed of batteries.
Batteries Contain Hazardous Metals
Depending on their age and electrochemical design, batteries may contain lithium, manganese, nickel, copper, zinc, silver, cadmium, mercury or lead. Some of these metals (such as manganese and zinc) are actually required in very small amounts for the normal functioning of cells, but others have no biological use. In either case, high concentrations of these metals are toxic to cells.
A quick note on terminology: What most people call “batteries” are actually “cells.” Cells contain a single charge producing unit. When you link two or more cells together you then have a true battery.
Alkaline Cells
Up until the mid 90’s, most alkaline cells contained mercury, but cells manufactured since then are mercury-free. The vast majority of alkaline batteries are not rechargeable so once depleted there is nothing to do but dispose of them. It is safe to discard alkaline batteries in with trash that is destined for a land fill. However, some companies do process them to recycle the plastic and metal. Check your local area to see if there are any recyclers before you throw away your alkaline batteries.
Lithium Cells
Lithium cells may be of the lithium metal (non-rechargeable) or lithium ion (rechargeable) type. Lithium metal batteries should be recycled and you can often do this by exchanging them at the time of purchase. A department store might not do this for you, but a specialized battery store probably will.
Lithium ion cells are superior in that they are rechargeable, so they have a much longer service life (less disposal needed). Moreover, they do not contain any actual metallic lithium. Lithium ions are safe for disposal in the amounts that exist in a few cells. However, you can probably also exchange them for recycling at a battery store so why not do it?
Nickel Cadmium Cells
Nickel cadmium (nicad) cells are rechargeable so they have the same longevity advantage as lithium ion cells. Nickel is not so bad, but cadmium is definitely something to keep out of the environment. Never throw a nicad battery in the trash. Exchange nicads at the place of purchase or take them to a recycling center.
Nickel Metal Hydride Cells
Also rechargeable, nickel-metal-hydride (NiMeHd) batteries are safe for landfill disposal in small numbers (< 10). Even so, they are completely recyclable and should be placed in the recycling stream if at all possible.
Lead Acid Batteries
The lead acid battery is still the most popular choice for automotive applications. Since they contain lead, they should never be thrown in the trash. It is almost certain that you can trade in your old lead acid battery when you buy a new one. You will probably even receive a small payment (core charge).
Button Cells
Small button-sized batteries are used to power watches and other low-power devices. It’s not easy to tell exactly what material are contained in these cells. Many contain silver, lead or other toxic metals. Take them to a recycler.
In the United States, finding a place near you to recycle your a batteries is easy. Just visit the Recyclable Battery Recycling Corporation and type in your zip code.
References
Common Wastes and Materials - Batteries
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