Additional Ways to help the Environment When Using and Disposing of Batteries

Source Reduction Changes in Household Batteries

Read labels. Mercury reduction in batteries began in 1984 and
continues today. Some batteries such as the alkaline battery have had
about a 97 percent mercury reduction in the product. Newer alkaline
batteries may contain about one-tenth the amount of mercury previously
contained in the typical alkaline battery. Some alkaline batteries
have zero-added mercury, and several mercury-free, heavy-duty, carbon-
zinc batteries are on the market.

Mercuric-oxide batteries are being gradually replaced by new
technology such as silver-oxide and zinc-air button batteries that
contain less mercury.

Nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries are being researched.
Alternatives such as cadmium free nickel and nickel-hydride system are
being researched, but nickel-cadmium are unlikely to be totally
replaced. Nickel-cadmium batteries can be reprocessed to reclaim the
nickel. However, currently approximately 80 percent of all nickel-
cadmium batteries are permanently sealed in appliances. Changing
regulations may result in easier access to the nickel-cadmium
batteries for recycling.




Prevention of Household Battery Waste

To reduce waste, start with prevention. Starting with prevention
creates less or no leftover waste to become potentially hazardous
waste. The following are steps to take to prevent household battery
waste.

Check to see if you already have the batteries on hand before buying
more.
When suited to the task buy hand operated items that function without
batteries.
Look for the batteries that have less mercury and heavy metals.
Consider rechargeable batteries for some needs, but remember that they
also contain heavy metals such as nickel-cadmium.



Rechargeables

Rechargeable batteries result in a longer life span and use fewer
batteries. However rechargeable batteries still contain heavy metals
such as nickel-cadmium. When disposing of rechargeable batteries,
recycle if possible.

The use of rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries can reduce the number
of batteries entering the waste stream, but may increase the amount of
heavy metals entering the waste stream unless they are more
effectively recycled. As of 1992, the percentage of cadmium in nickel-
cadmium batteries was higher than the percentage of mercury in
alkaline batteries, so substitution might only replace one heavy metal
for another, and rechargeable batteries do use energy resources in
recharging.

Rechargeable alkaline batteries are available along with rechargers.




Additional Tips for Longest Life Use of Batteries

Turn off any battery-operated appliances when not in use

Remove batteries from appliances if they are not going to be used for
a long time.

To prevent a potential safety hazard, do not mix old batteries with
new ones. When old and new batteries are mixed, leaking or rupturing
could occur, possibly resulting in injury or property damage

Do not recharge a battery unless it is specifically marked
rechargeable. Attempting to recharge a non-rechargeable battery can
cause it to leak or rupture

Do not dispose of batteries in a fire it may cause them to explode.

Do not open battery casings

Do not insert batteries backwards into any device

Rechargeable batteries containing cadmium or lead should be recycled.



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