It is very important to know how to recycle used batteries, as they are very polluting elements that are often not recycled correctly. If we stop to think about how many things have batteries in them, we could get an idea of the amount of them that we use and generally throw away in our daily lives.
What are batteries, and how to recycle them?
Both the name “battery” and “battery” come from the original way of manufacturing this invention, in which electric cells were put “stacked” or “in battery”.
The batteries, batteries, electric accumulators, or simply accumulators, are the device that stores electric energy using electrochemical procedures and that later return almost in their totality. It is generally understood that batteries are a finite source of energy since they run out and are not rechargeable. Batteries, on the other hand, are usually rechargeable.
These batteries contain heavy metals and chemical compounds, many of which are harmful to the environment. It is very important not to throw them away (in most countries, this is not allowed) and to take them to a recycling center. Nowadays, most suppliers and specialized stores also take back spent batteries. Some of the environmentally harmful substances depend on the type of battery used. These are some of them:
Dry batteries
Also called “saline” or “zinc-carbon,” they contain very little mercury (0.01%). Degree of toxicity: Very low.
Alkaline batteries
They have a mercury content of 0.5%. Degree of toxicity: Toxic.
Rechargeable batteries
Contain cadmium. Do not contain mercury. Toxicity grade: Toxic.
Button cell batteries
Some contain up to 30% mercury. Degree of toxicity: Very high.
Green” batteries
They are free of cadmium and mercury, although some of their components are unknown. Degree of toxicity: Unknown.
If you have old batteries, we have good news for you
Whether you live in an apartment or a house, it’s now easier than ever in San Francisco to safely recycle the small batteries you use at home.
All batteries contain toxins that can contaminate soil and water, and when damaged or improperly disposed of, they can even cause fires. That’s why you should recycle old batteries, not throw them away.
Don’t put batteries in; leave them on top
If you live in a single-family home or small multi-family building (with fewer than six units): Place loose batteries in a clear plastic bag and put them on top of your black bin on collection day.
Stacked batteries? Put them in the bin!
If you live in a building with six or more units: Place loose batteries in the orange battery collection bin. Ask your building manager where the bin is located. If your building does not have an orange collection bin, your building manager can order one for free by contacting Recology at (415) 330-1300.
Please be especially careful with lithium batteries!
These batteries, which are usually rechargeable, are labeled “Lithium” or “Li” or “Li-ion”. Please tape the ends of these batteries with tape before recycling them. If left uncovered, they could cause fires if they come into contact with other batteries.
Where do I dispose of batteries?
Recycle any rechargeable lithium, lithium-ion, and zinc-air batteries instead of throwing them away. Here’s how to dispose of batteries:
– Take them to an electronics store.
– Use one of Call2Recycle’s 34,000 battery drop-off sites.
– Purchase a mail-in recycling collection kit, such as Battery Solutions’ iRecycle Kit.
Can light bulbs be recycled?
Compact fluorescent bulbs contain small amounts of mercury, so handle them with care, especially any broken bulbs. You should be able to recycle mercury-containing bulbs through local hardware stores, utility company collection programs, or by using mail-back services.