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The business of battery recycling is still in its infancy. While some types of batteries are easily recyclable, others are not. Here is a brief summary of the most common batteries by type, and the recycling or disposal options presently available: Rechargeables According to the non-profit Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), if it's rechargeable, it's recyclable, making these the green choice in portable power. Typically found in appliances such as cordless power tools, cordless and cellular phones, laptop computers and camcorders, rechargeable batteries, including Nickel-Cadmium and Lithium-Ion units, can be returned to retailers such as Sears, Wal-Mart, and Target for recycling. For a full list of participating retailers in the U.S. and Canada go to the RBRC website. Also check out their Charge Up To Recycle program for cost-effective recycling plans for businesses and communities. For more information: Lead-Acid All lead-acid batteries like the one that starts your car, or the various deep-cycle batteries that power accessories such as winches or trolling motors, can and must be recycled. According to Battery Council International (BCI), most states have implemented a mandatory take-back system at the point of purchase. Consumers must either exchange their spent battery for a new one, or else pay a fee in lieu of trade-in. The program has been largely successful. As of 1996 the recycling rate for lead-acid batteries was 96.5 percent. For more information: Alkaline and Zinc-Carbon These are the standard household batteries such as the familiar AA and AAA dry cells commonly found in flashlights. They make up about 70 percent of the current market. The good news here is that alkaline and zinc-carbon batteries manufactured after 1992 now have "zero added mercury" by law, making them both safer and more readily recyclable. The bad news is that there are, as yet, very few operations actually recycling them so the vast majority still wind up in the landfill. While this state of affairs may change in the near future, the environmentally responsible course of action for now is to use rechargeables whenever possible. Photo courtesy www.freefoto.com Up to Top |
About 3 billion household batteries a year wind up in the trash. Spent
batteries are considered hazardous waste, since they contain quantities of heavy metals such as
lead, cadmium, and mercury. If disposed of improperly, these substances can leach into
the soil and water, posing significant risks to humans and the environment.