Written By Marina Dawson 

We often talk at great lengths about purchasing batteries, the do’s, the don’ts, what to look for, what to avoid.  Surprisingly, we don’t often talk that much about something that can be even more challenging to the average consumer – disposal of your batteries at the end of their life span.  It is not uncommon to see a garage or workshop full of old, dead batteries.  You know you shouldn’t throw them in the garbage, but because you aren’t quite sure what else to do with them they clutter up your shelves.

Most people are aware that batteries contain a toxic substance and cannot go out with the regular garbage.  With approximately twenty-one pounds of lead, three pounds of plastic, and a gallon of sulfuric acid, it is obvious that subjecting old batteries to the crushing and pulverizing that occurs in garbage collection vehicles or in processing plants can be hazardous for workers.  Additionally, batteries should not wind up in landfills since the toxic substances leak right into the earth, contaminating the ground for generations to come.  Finally, you should never attempt to dispose of a battery by putting it in a fire.  Batteries will combust, and the explosion can result in injury to those nearby, as well as toxic materials let out into the air and ground.  Even disposal sites that claim to safely deal with your battery don’t necessarily do what is best for the environment since they may simply dispose of it in a way that doesn’t cause harm to the workers.

The absolute best thing to do with your battery is to recycle it.  Most companies that sell batteries also collect used batteries for recycling, so if you aren’t sure of where to recycle your battery start with your retailer.  If you have a regular recycling pickup, don’t put your battery out with the rest of your recycling.  Most community recycling plants don’t have the necessary means to safely recycle a used battery.  Also, it is unsafe for the collectors to be throwing the battery into their trucks.  In addition to retailers, you might also find a large recycling operation with a battery recycling program.  Or there might be community events that organize collection of old batteries and other toxic substances. These often happen in the spring around Earth Day.  If you are unsure whether your area has the facilities to recycle batteries, try contacting your local government office or recycling hotline.

You might be wondering whether recycling your batteries is really worthwhile – after all, with all the toxins in the interior, how can they really recycle it?  You might be surprised to know that all the parts of a used battery can be effectively recycled and used in a new battery.  The battery is pulled apart and the plastic sold to industries that use recycled plastic in their manufacturing process, the lead is used in new batteries, and the sulfuric acid can be recycled into a new battery or converted into other chemicals to be used in fertilizers and dyes.

With all of our new toys and gadgets, the need for batteries is growing at a relatively large rate.  And with some green technology requiring more battery power instead of fossil fuels, batteries are going to be more important than ever.  This is why it is absolutely essential that you know how to properly recycle your batteries so they can be used again and again, without harming the environment.

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