The Importance of Recycling Batteries

Batteries not only run small items like your TV remote, they also provide backup power for hospitals and can even run commuter trains.  Who knew that something so relatively small could be so powerful?!

Environmental Effects

While they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, all batteries have two elements in common: an electrolyte and a heavy metal, like mercury, lead, cadmium, or nickel. These metals are extremely harmful to the environment when not disposed of properly. Even if they are incinerated, many of these metals are still released into the air, causing contamination.

Recycling batteries also saves natural resources, because plastic and metals from used batteries can be used to make new batteries and protects the environment by keeping heavy metals out of landfills and the air.

Purchasing rechargeable batteries is one of the best ways to help reduce the number of batteries in the waste system.  Think about how many electronics in your home run on batteries.  If you replaced four rechargeable batteries a month, by the end of the year, you would have made a shift that will be economical for you and helpful for the environment.  It’s a win/win!

Where to Recycle

You may be wondering where you might possibly be able to recycle batteries, but chances are high that you might pass by or frequent a few of these stores on your daily commute or weekend errands. Lowe’s, Best Buy and Batteries Plus are just a few places you can drop off batteries to be recycled. Find a location near you.

Tell us, did you learn something new about batteries?  This month, the Recycling Guide is focusing on this topic, so see how many batteries you can round up around your house and make a move toward a better environment!  Share this information with your family and friends to help us create a more sustainable environment.

If you’re interested in more information about batteries, check out the Recycle Guide source here.

Use #RecycleGuide on Facebook and Twitter and tell us how you’re recycling your batteries!

Source // Photo Credit: Mark H. Anbinder

 

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