Batteries are a great thing. They make our lives much easier, much more convenient, and much better. These days, batteries are engineered to last longer than ever before; they’re also made with chemicals that are significantly less dangerous to the environment. However, despite these advances in technology, all batteries will die at some point, and all necessitate certain considerations during the disposal of batteries. how to dispose of battery It’s with that in mind that many consumers have wondered, “How to dispose of battery responsibly? or “How to recycle batteries?”.
Attention: Understand Your Local Battery Disposal Laws!
When it comes to the proper disposal of batteries, the most important thing is to thoroughly familiarize yourself with your specific state and local laws.
These are the ultimate authorities when it comes to this, and the guidelines that’ll help ensure that irresponsible battery disposal doesn’t verge on illegal disposal.
How to Dispose of Battery By Type
Here’s an overview of how to dispose of battery by type:
Alkaline batteries: Most states allow you to throw your spent alkaline batteries right in your household trashcan. However, when it comes to 9-volt batteries, you should cover the posts with electrical tape, as they can pose a fire hazard otherwise.
NOTE: There are some special regulations in California. Once again, always comply with the local rules.
Lithium or lithium-ion batteries: Both lithium and lithium-ion batteries should be dropped off at a special battery recycling center. You can find where to recycle batteries in your local area by search online and using one of the many battery recycling center locator tools!
Button batteries: These batteries, which typically power devices like hearing aids and watches, often contain hazardous compounds such as mercuric oxide or silver oxide. You should only dispose of button batteries at a designated hazardous waste collection site; you can find these online. Otherwise, you could cause you and your loved ones breathing problems, lung irritation, throat soreness, stomach pain, and other issues.
Nickel-Cadmium batteries: Similarly, you should also get rid of nickel-cadmium batteries at a hazardous waste collection site that’s designed for that type of thing.
Nickel-Metal hydride batteries: While nickel-metal hydride batteries are generally much safer than nickel-cadmium batteries, they’re still known to contribute to cancer, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Every effort should be made to find where to recycle batteries near you.
Lead-Acid batteries: This battery type, which encompasses either sealed or unsealed varieties, is particularly important. These batteries contain sulfuric acid, and can be very harmful. All lead-acid batteries, including car batteries, should go to one of two places: back to the retailer or to a certified hazardous waste collection site.
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