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Batteries
The standard household battery of today�the AA's,
AAA's, C's, D's, and 9-volts �have been re-engineered so that the
components in them are of low toxicity, making them safe to dispose of
with your normal trash.
(But consider this: If you're using more than a
dozen or so disposable batteries per year, your can probably save a
lot of money by going to rechargeables.)
Batteries that might have been manufactured prior to 1997�prior to
passage of the (gulp) "Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery
Management Act of 1996," which began the phase-out of mercury-based
household batteries�then they likely contain mercury, should be
considered toxic waste, and should be recycled. Contact your local
household chemical collection facility for more information on
proper disposal.
Button batteries, commonly found in hear aid devices, contain silver,
zinc, or other toxins and should be recycled.
RECYCLING RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES
Rechargeable batteries power everything from portable phones and
cordless phones to laptops and PDAs to cordless tools and grooming
products. These batteries are usually nickel-cadmium (nicad), lithium
ion, or nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH). Nicads are good batteries, but
the cadmium in them is toxic. Cadmium in the environment is already a
big problem, so it's clear that we want to recycle all nicad
batteries. Nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) and lithium-ion rechargeable
batteries are less toxic, but it is still recommended that they be
recycled.
The good news is that the law mentioned in the previous section that
banned mercury-containing batteries also set up the Rechargeable
Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), which was tasked with managing a
collection and recycling program for rechargeable batteries.
The RBRC accepts rechargeable nicad, NiMH, Lithium-Ion, and small
(under 2-lb) sealed lead-acid batteries. Car batteries, silver- and
zinc-based button batteries, or disposable alkaline batteries are not
accepted. Contact your local auto store for information on car battery
recycling.
This information has been provided by the
Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation. For more information
click onto their site. www.rbrc.org
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