Batteries are everywhere. We’ve got them in our cars, our get-up-and-go electronic gizmos, flashlights, power tools, you name it.
If you’ve ever gone fishing around in the kitchen drawer for a fresh pair of double-A’s you know the dilemma of dead batteries. Uncertain of how to dispose of them and not feeling right just tossing them in the outgoing household trash, they land in that utilitarian out-of-sight, out-of-mind place we use for castoffs.
As we grow in green consciousness we are looking for better ways of selecting, caring for and getting rid of these heavy-metal caskets when they have served their time.
What make batteries dangerous to the environment is the toxic heavy metals on board such as alkaline, mercury, nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride and lead acid. Batteries disposed of in landfills and incinerators eventually leak into the environment polluting waterways, vegetation and the soil and into the food chain resulting in serious health risks to humans and animals.
There are many types of batteries on the market including hybrids which are a cross between rechargeable and single use, designed for longer life. To get started getting your batteries under control, here are a few tips that begin by taking preventive steps.
- Cheap batteries out of the dollar stores never seem to last long because they’ve likely sat on the distributor’s shelf slowly draining over a very long time before they got to the retail line. So don’t just buy because of the price.
- Not every device can handle the same type of battery. Some batteries have high voltages and can damage incompatible equipment. Read the manufacturers guide on the equipment to determine the proper battery for it.
- Alkaline batteries are popular and work well in low-drain devices such as flashlights, LED lights, clocks, radios and remotes. They have an extremely short life in most consumer electronics.
- Lithium ion batteries are best for high-drain consumer electronics such as digital cameras. Though they cost more than alkaline they have a much longer useful life. They are available as single-use or rechargeable.
- Rechargeable batteries are a good idea but not all are made equal. Batteries made of Nickel-Metal hydride (NiMH) can be recharged up to 500 cycles while rechargeable Alkaline lasts for fewer cycles. Rechargeable batteries work well in consumer electronics and perform best when used frequently. Not as beneficial in seldom-used devices like flashlights.
Disposing
- Do not discard batteries in the trash compactor or incinerator. They can explode. Avoid putting them out with the regular garbage. Because of the reduction in the use of mercury in alkaline batteries some landfills have relaxed their bans of alkaline batteries and recycling programs have stopped collecting them.
- Some places sell battery recycling kits which is essentially nothing more than a thick box. You collect your household batteries in the box and mail to a pre-designated address for recycling. But use your best judgment. Research the battery collection and recycling program in your area. They vary by community but they exist.
- There are a number of recycling and redemption centers through Maryland and D.C. An Internet search will turn up quite a few. Check with environmentally conscious retailers such as Whole Foods that have hosted recycling days to find out who they worked with. Also ask at stores who sell consumer electronics if they have an in-store recycling program for consumers and get your batteries in check.
The most reliable and convenient way of disposing of the used batteries is to stop by any Office Depot, Staples Superstore or Best Buy in the state, all of which have battery recycling drop off boxes. Before you go, though, be sure to call the store to confirm its participation.
