Going green and recycling are hot topics these days and many households are looking to recycle as much as possible. When it comes to batteries, there is no getting around the multiple machines and appliances that need them to run. Every year, Americans buy almost 3 billion batteries to power items like toys, phones, watches, radios and power tools, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. There are many types of batteries that are commonly used and those types require different processes to reduce the waste stream and recycle.
Definition
The EPA defines a battery as "a device consisting of one or more electrically connected electrochemical cells which is designed to receive, store and deliver electronic energy." This means that there is a system within the battery that generates power as well as connections on the outside of the battery to deliver the power to a device.
Types
Rechargeable batteries come in various forms including nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, lithium ion and small sealed lead. These types of batteries contain heavy metals which are damaging to the environment if not disposed of properly. Lead-acid batteries found in cars and boats contain materials that can be and most likely have been recycled. Lithium batteries that power clocks, calculators and laptops contain compounds that must be recycled to prevent damage to the environment.
Alkaline batteries are commonly used in cameras, toys and other household items. Since 1996 these batteries do not contain any heavy metals that could be hazardous to the environment so they are able to be put in regular household trash or can be recycled.
Process
After the battery is used, it is collected through a program at the place of purchase or a community recycling service. The battery is sent to a recycling facility, sometimes referred to as a secondary lead smelter, which starts to separate the plastic and other metal components from the battery. The batteries are then crushed down to small pieces. The plastic is sent to a plastic recycler and the metals are processed and sent to be purified and then remanufactured for other products. Any acids in the battery undergo an acid reclamation process to neutralize their harmful environmental effects. The processed plastic and metals become parts of other materials, perhaps even batteries, and are distributed back to consumers. Most retailers that sell lead-acid batteries also collect used batteries as part of most state laws.
Benefits
Recycling batteries is beneficial because when they are incinerated through regular disposal methods they can release metal toxins in to the environment which are harmful. These toxins can pollute the water and seep in to the soil. The environment is then exposed to lead and acids which contaminate natural resources. Recycling batteries also saves resources since the plastic and metals can be used to make new batteries.
Considerations
The Mercury Containing and Rechargeable Battery Act of 1996 is a federal regulation that aims to phase out mercury in batteries and make it easier for manufacturers to collect and recycle nickel-cadmium and some small sealed lead-acid batteries. The Act states that batteries must be able to be easily removed from products, and the label must contain the chemical make up of the battery and a symbol and phrase telling the user to recycle or dispose of the battery properly. It also sets out uniform standards for collection, storage and transportation of some batteries.
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