Most batteries contain hazardous chemicals and rare metals that are a limited resource on our planet. By recycling these materials they can be reused for generations to come.
By Danyelle Kukuk
Every year, 2.9 billion batteries are thrown in the trash in the U.S., yet most batteries can be recycled. By their nature, batteries and light bulbs are household items that eventually need to be replaced. However, once they have been replaced, many people are unaware that their old batteries and bulbs can be recycled, so instead they end up throwing them in the trash.
Photo courtesy of Batteries Plus.
Environmental Impact
About two-thirds of U.S. household waste is either incinerated or placed in landfills. This method of disposal is a big problem when it comes to batteries, since they contain chemicals and heavy metals that can be dangerous if not disposed of properly. When placed in a landfill, these chemicals and heavy metals can leak out, contaminating soil, groundwater, lakes and streams. Incinerating old batteries is equally as harmful as doing so releases these heavy metals into the air. These materials are not only harmful to the environment, but also to human health.
Light bulbs can contain both mercury and phosphor, both of which are toxic to human beings. When light bulbs are thrown out, they end up in landfills where these substances can leach out into the groundwater and end up contaminating drinking water. Although each bulb only contains a small amount of these chemicals, these substances build up over time to become more dangerous.
Each one of us has a responsibility to the environment, and a responsibility for the products we use. Most batteries contain hazardous chemicals and rare metals that are a limited resource on our planet; by recycling these materials they can be reused for generations to come. When you recycle old batteries and light bulbs instead of throwing them away, manufacturing companies can reuse the raw materials. Therefore, recycling batteries and bulbs not only reduces pollution, but also conserves resources and contributes to the economy.
The Essential Role of Lead Batteries
Did you know the lead in lead batteries is infinitely recyclable? A new lead battery is typically comprised of more than 80 percent recycled materials.1 The ability to safely recycle lead batteries is especially important as 70 percent of the world’s rechargeable energy storage needs are met by lead batteries2, which equates to millions at work every day—not to mention the millions of vehicles that rely on lead batteries for power.
Where to Recycle Old Batteries and Bulbs
Retailers who accept these items collect from consumers and businesses and then work with certified recycling processors to complete the recycling. The impact this has on a community is it gives consumers and businesses the resource to take these items off their hands in an environmentally friendly way. It also saves them from taking up space in their homes or places of work, ending up in a landfill, or contaminating the ground due to improper disposal.
What Kinds of Batteries and Bulbs Can Be Recycled?
Following is a list of the types of batteries and light bulbs that can be recycled through a certified partner.
Batteries:
• Lead Acid—powering cars, trucks, golf carts, sump pumps, boat, motorcycle, RV, mowers, floor scrubbers and more
• Nickel Cadmium—powering rechargeable devices like cordless phones, drills, camcorders, calculators, electronic flash units and tool battery packs
• Nickel Metal Hydride—powering exit and emergency lights, flashlights, camcorders, cameras, barcode scanners, backup power and battery packs
• Lithium Ion and Polymer—powering cell phone, laptops, two- way radio, scanners, tools, flashlights, watches and tool battery packs
• Household—powering TV remotes, kids toys, flashlights, video game controllers, wireless headsets and more
• Specialty—powering watches, key fobs, hearing aids, medical devices, bathroom scales and more
Light Bulbs:
• Light Emitting Diode (LED)
• Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFL)
• Incandescent
• Circular Fluorescent
• Fluorescent Tubes
• U Bend Fluorescent
• Ballasts
• Plastic Coated and Shatter Shield
• Germicidal and UV Lamps
• Mercury Vapor
• Cold Cathode
• Halogen
• Metal Halide
• High Pressure Sodium
Small electronics such as tablets, laptops, cell phones, portable tools, power cords and charging accessories can also be brought in for recycling services.
The Recycling Process
Spent batteries and bulbs that are collected through a partner are sent to EPA certified processors—recycling facilities—where they are safely and properly recycled. This allows for materials to be separated and repurposed. All salvaged reusable materials from the batteries and bulbs will be reused and kept out of landfills. For example, in the case of a car battery, some of the materials can be reused in the creation of a new battery.
How to Prepare Your Batteries for Recycling
When gathering your old batteries, it is important to remember that even though they are low on power there is a potential for them to cause sparks if the terminals are not kept secure. That is why it is important that you insulate the battery’s terminals for transportation, so that terminals from different batteries do not touch. One way to do this is by bagging each of the batteries individually.
You will also want to be sure to keep them clear of anything metallic or conductive, so do not store them with loose metal objects, keys or coins. As mentioned above, be sure that each
battery is individually bagged. One other thing to note is if the battery is embedded in a device and you are not sure how to remove it, simply bring the device to a collection point where trained employees can remove it for you.
Our Responsibility
Each one of us has a responsibility to protect the environment, and a responsibility for the products we use. Most batteries contain hazardous chemicals and rare metals that are a limited resource on our planet. By recycling these materials, they can be reused for generations to come. | WA
Danyelle Kukuk is the Vice President of Product Management at Batteries Plus (Hartland, WI). Danyelle leads the Product Management, Quality and Sourcing teams. She develops and
directs initiatives to help maximize store growth and reach the company’s financial and strategic objectives. In addition, Danyelle also oversees all aspects of new store training.
Batteries Plus, the nation’s largest and fastest-growing battery, light bulb, key fob and repair franchise, is committed to protecting the environment by recycling spent batteries and bulbs. Last year its stores recycled more than 52 million pounds of lead acid batteries. With a mission to recycle more than it sells, Batteries Plus makes it easy to recycle your old batteries and light bulbs. With more than 700 locations to choose from, simply bring your used car batteries, household batteries and commercial/residential-use light bulbs to your local Batteries Plus store, and they will take care of the rest. For more information and to learn more about the recycling initiatives at Batteries Plus, visit BatteriesPlus.com.
Notes
“Environmental Impact and Life Cycle Assessment of Lead Battery and Architectural Sheet Production,” The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2016
“The Rechargeable Battery Market and Main Trends 2018-2030”, Avicenne Energy, May 2019