#11 Batteries
Each year consumers dispose of billions of batteries, all containing toxic or corrosive materials. With an increase in portable power, more and more batteries are ending up in landfills and polluting our land. By taking simple steps in reducing our battery usage, as well as proper recycling techniques, we can prevent these volatile chemicals from polluting our natural resources.
Dead battery? Not exactly!
Batteries are made with toxic elements; including cadmium, lead, mercury, nickel, lithium and electrolytes. When the life cycle of the battery is depleted, the majority of consumers throw them away – but at what detriment to our planet? As batteries corrode, toxic chemicals are leached into the soil and water system. The lithium inside of batteries has a volatile reaction when exposed, causing it to ignite and emit hazardous chemicals into the air that can burn underground for years. Here are some additional facts on battery waste.
Facts About Battery Waste:
Each year, Americans throw away more than 3 billion batteries, totaling 180,000 tons of hazardous waste.
The average American household buys as many as 90 alkaline batteries annually.
86,000 tons of hazardous waste comes from single use alkaline batteries.
AA, C and D batteries make up 20% of all household hazardous waste.
Approximately 160 million cell phones batteries are thrown away every year.
How can I make an impact?
Action 1: Global Goodness
Get to know your batteries. It is important to know what type of batteries you have, so when the time comes to recycle them, you can do it properly.
Rechargeable batteries are much easier to recycle. Go to https://www.call2recycle.org/locator/ to find a recycling facility near you. Stores such as Walmart, Best Buy and Target all accept recyclable batteries.
For single-use alkaline and lithium battery recycling facilities, go to https://earth911.com/recycling-guide/how-to-recycle-single-use-batteries/
Action 2: Planet Protector
All of Action 1.
If you are throwing away electronics, make sure to remove the battery and dispose of it properly.
Always recycle your car and small engine batteries. They can be taken to most auto parts centers, and exchanged or recycled for credit.
ClickHere to watch our recycling video learn more about recycling batteries.
All electronic waste, with batteries or not, needs to be taken to a hazardous waste center for proper recycling.
Action 3: Earth Angel
All of Actions 1 & 2.
Switch to rechargeable batteries for your home. Each rechargeable battery can replace hundreds of single-use batteries.
Reduce the consumption of gadgets and toys that require single-use batteries. The biggest impact we can all make individually – is to reduce the number of products we consume in every area of our lives.
To learn how you can turn your batteries into plant food, Click Here!
Choose to be an Ambassador for Change, and always Spread Love and Spread Light.
