Why the World Needs Battery Recycling
Battery recycling seems complicated, and many of us have scores of dead batteries around our houses, because we are not quite sure what to do with them. It is tempting to simply throw them in the trash. Before you do that, there are some things to know about battery recycling.
Battery Recycling
- Recycling is the easiest way to reduce your carbon footprint. Recycling reduces emissions and decreases the need to extract virgin materials. Battery recycling is important because the materials found in batteries pollute water sources as the metals vaporize into the air when batteries are burned. In addition, heavy metals from batteries may leach into the ground from solid waste landfills. The lead and acid are harmful to the environment, and the strong corrosive acids are hazardous to skin and eyes.
- Recycling alkaline batteries helps reduce landfills and helps build cities. It is true, alkaline batteries are considered household waste because they do not contain harmful chemicals. However, because they are so plentiful, recycling them helps to reduce the sheer amount of trash. The metal in alkaline batteries is reclaimed and used as rebar in concrete work, which is what builds roads, bridges and skyscrapers!
- Rechargeable batteries contain a wealth of valuable resources. Although alkaline batteries are safe to throw away, rechargeable batteries contain heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, and other ingredients that can be hazardous. Therefore, it is crucial they are not disposed of in landfills. The great news is that rechargeable batteries also contain valuable metals that can be easily extracted and repurposed.
- Recycling car batteries is easy and useful. Because auto batteries contain lead and sulfuric acid, they pose a danger if they end up in landfills. Fortunately, most retailers who sell auto batteries will take them back for recycling. The lead is then melted down to make new batteries, the plastic is broken down and repurposed, and the battery acid is neutralized and added to laundry detergent!
- Batteries for portable devices, such as cell phones and laptops, use the most up-to-date technology. However, lithium batteries can explode when exposed to heat, making them hazardous for landfills. It is imperative to recycle these batteries. The recycled batteries are useful, too, and are reused in stainless steel products.
Recycling rechargeable, automobile, and lithium ion batteries is vitally important. Interstate Batteries® is the top battery recycler in the country and . Interstate All Battery Center® is the ideal place to take your used household batteries.
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