Don't Trash Batteries: Recycle Them Safely

Household batteries, though small, pose significant environmental risks when discarded improperly. They often end up in landfills, where they can leak toxic heavy metals like cadmium and nickel into the soil and water. Additionally, some batteries can overheat, leading to dangerous fires in garbage trucks and recycling facilities.

Safely disposing of dead batteries is a straightforward process. By recycling them, their valuable components are recovered. These materials are then used to manufacture new products, giving the batteries a second life and reducing the need for new mining.

Materials scientist Matthew Bergschneider notes that battery contents vary by type. While most single-use alkaline and zinc-carbon batteries can be trashed in many areas, recycling is still recommended by the EPA. Lithium-ion batteries, common in rechargeable devices, present a higher risk of fire and toxic gas leakage.

Before disposal, it's essential to tape battery ends or bag them individually to prevent accidental sparking. Many hardware and office supply stores offer drop-off locations. Resources like The Battery Network can help locate nearby recycling sites. Damaged or leaking batteries require special handling via local hazardous waste agencies.

Recycling initiatives aim to transform battery waste into valuable resources. Components like cobalt and nickel can be repurposed for new batteries or materials such as stainless steel. While recycling doesn't erase the initial environmental cost of battery production, it significantly lessens the impact by giving components a chance at a new life.

Public health expert Oladele Ogunseitan emphasizes that recycling conserves natural resources by reducing the need for further mining. Environmental scientist Jennifer Sun highlights battery recycling as one of the simplest and most controllable actions individuals can take to minimize their environmental footprint.