Used batteries are everywhere these days, both rechargeable and single use batteries. You can find them in remotes, cell phones, power tools, laptops, cameras, clocks, lights, watches, toys, and even automobiles. Batteries are the future of even more technologies, including home power. With more developments in battery technologies there will sure be lots of batteries to recycle.
Often many people will take used and drained batteries and put them into drawers in safe keeping until they have the time to dispose of them properly. While it is a good thing to recycle these batteries it is important to store them safely until you are ready to recycle them. While it is a rare phenomenon there have been reports of house fires caused by improperly stored batteries. To prevent this from happening be sure to store the batteries upright, tape the ends, and keep them in a dry and cool location.
In 2002, California reported over 507 million batteries were sold in 2001, of that number only 0.55% of those batteries were recycled or properly disposed. It wasn’t until 2006 that California has made it a law for local trash companies or agencies to ban batteries from the trash.
Why it is important to Recycle Batteries
Aside from the dangers of storing them it can be just as dangerous if you were to throw them away in the trash where they could possibly lead to another fire. Batteries are also toxic to the environment. Materials such as lithium, acid, lead, nickel, cadmium, alkaline, mercury and several other heavy materials. Not to mention the fact some of them contain acids to generate electricity. These materials are extremely toxic, harmful, and can end up in our environment if they are not disposed of properly.
How to Recycle Batteries
Although it is not easy or cheap to recycle batteries it is important to be mindful of the environment when it comes to disposing of batteries. Some ways to recycle batteries are through mail-in programs, hazardous wastes centers, universal waste handlers, and even authorized recycling facilities. We recycle batteries at California Electronics Recycler in Santa Ana, Orange County. Recycling batteries keeps our landfills clean of toxic materials.
Other ways You Can Help
A great way to help the environment is through buying rechargeable batteries, a charger, and using them wisely. Rechargeable batteries come in a variety of sizes: AA, AAA, 9Volt, C, D, and can last a long time. You can also buy portable devices that do not use batteries and you could be mindful of how you use single-use batteries. For example, you could use single use batteries in TV Remotes where they don’t get used a lot and use rechargeable batteries in wireless gaming controllers that drain batteries more quickly.
If you have batteries that need to be recycled come drop them off at our electronics recycling facility in Santa Ana at California Electronics Recycler, there are some fees associated with battery recycling and our current prices are listed here.
