Obtain details on alkaline batteries used in homes and how to dispose of them when they are no longer required.
You feel guilty as you remove the alkaline batteries from your flashlight, clock, or remote control and throw them in the trash. in this reduce-reuse-recycle era, you’re fairly certain there must be an easy recycling option for them…isn’t there? Actually, no, there isn’t.
Here is how to dispose of alkaline batteries:
How to Dispose of Alkaline Batteries?
Batteries+ Bulbs locations typically accept the recycling of common alkaline batteries like AAA, AA, 9-Volt, D, and C. They usually charge a small fee. Since each Batteries+ Bulbs location is independently owned and operated, they all have different recycling options. Consult your neighborhood shop.
Also read: Can Lead-acid Batteries Be Recycled? How to Recycle Them?
Button cell batteries often come in specialty items such as watches, car fobs, or hearing aids. Jewelry stores, car dealerships, and audiologists frequently have recycling programs at their place of business to deal with these batteries. There are several more pricey mail-in recycling options. Look to the Big Green Box or Cirba Solutions (previously Battery Solutions) if you have a lot of batteries to recycle.
Recently, the non-profit organization Call2Recycle, which oversees programs for recycling rechargeable batteries, began providing mail-in services for recycling single-use batteries as well. Large waste haulers Republic and Waste Management both provide national mail-in recycling for a variety of batteries.
Why Can’t I Recycle Alkaline?
For almost two decades, alkaline batteries haven’t contained mercury, but they do still contain trace amounts of metals like nickel, cobalt, zinc, manganese, or silver. Zinc chloride makes up the core. The claim that they cannot be recycled is untrue, but there is currently no method of de-manufacturing them that is both efficient and affordable.
As a result, neither the state of Maine nor the country as a whole has established alkaline battery recycling programs.
The experts advise that the most effective method of disposal for alkaline batteries is to dispose of them with your regular trash. Don’t collect them in a separate container. They contain no hazardous materials and, pound for pound would be 10 to 12 times more expensive to recycle than some of the most toxic wastes generated in Maine.
The environment might be harmed by the practice of separating alkaline batteries from your trash. They could be problematic at landfills or incinerators in cases where their concentration is high. Figure out Are Alkaline Batteries Allowed on Planes.
The Most Common Types of Single-use Batteries
- Alkaline: The most popular kind of single-use household battery, you can find them in clocks, toys, remote controls for TVs, wireless mice, and flashlights.
- Button cell: Either single-use (alkaline, zinc-air) or single-use lithium, these small batteries are commonly used in watches and hearing aids. They are a choking hazard for young children and are also known as coin batteries.
- Lithium single-use: These batteries, which can be found in smoke detectors, cameras, watches, remote controls, and handheld games, occasionally have unique shapes. Read Lithium Vs Alkaline Batteries: Which is Better for You?
- Silver-oxide: Small electronic devices like watches, calculators, and hearing aids may use single-use or rechargeable button cell silver-oxide batteries.
- Zinc-air: For use in tiny electronics like watches and hearing aids, these disposable batteries frequently come in button form.
- Zinc-carbon: These single-use batteries can be found in clocks, smoke detectors, TV remote controls, and other home electronics. Read Carbon Zinc Battery Vs Alkaline.
Other Ways to Dispose of Single-Use Batteries
the type of batteries you want to dispose of, a variety of options for recycling exist. Some battery types are simple to recycle locally, while others might require you to use national initiatives. Others are free, while some options charge a fee to recycle.
Free Recycling Options
To find out if they accept batteries during days for the collection of household hazardous waste, check with your local municipality, waste hauler, and solid waste district. Although it is not always free, some neighborhood hardware stores will accept single-use batteries for recycling.
Buy Rechargeable Batteries
You can avoid creating waste by not purchasing alkaline batteries if you don’t like the idea of doing so. Rather, make a commitment to using rechargeable batteries and purchase them. They cost more than single-use batteries, and users must pay closer attention to them. However, they are functional and last for a number of years at a time.
Conclusion: Dispose of Alkaline Batteries
In most communities, alkaline and zinc carbon batteries can be safely put in your household trash. EPA advice: contact your local or state solid waste authority or send used alkaline and zinc carbon batteries to battery recyclers.
FAQs
Can You Put Alkaline Batteries in the Bin?
Batteries with a high energy density that is non-rechargeable, have a long battery life, and are typically used in devices like flashlights, TV remote controls, and game console controllers. We would not recommend putting alkaline batteries in the bin, as they could be harmful to landfill.
Are Alkaline Batteries Hazardous?
Alkaline batteries are not hazardous waste. Alkaline batteries have no toxic properties when used normally.
Why Do People Still Use Alkaline Batteries?
Alkaline batteries have a higher energy density than other kinds. For instance, the energy density of an alkaline battery is twice that of a zinc-carbon battery. As a result, alkaline cells and batteries can produce the same energy as other batteries while lasting longer.
