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Entry bubble Safe Battery Disposal

By: Jake | November 23, 2009 | Category: Home and Family

BatteryI don't need 8 hours of battery power from my laptop, but when my computer couldn't last an hour away from the socket I decided to pony up for a new battery. After a few minutes of careful research online, I found a deal on a replacement.

Since I had never replaced a laptop battery, I didn't know if I could throw away my old computer battery. It turns out that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has many resources available for electronic disposal and recycling and a specific page devoted to batteries.

I found that not all batteries contain toxic materials, but some do contain cadmium and mercury which can pose a threat to the environment. While it's not illegal to throw away most batteries, it's best to recycle them. The EPA directs those who want to recycle to the Earth911 website where you can plug in your zip code and find a spot to recycle rechargeable and single use batteries in your area.

When I punched in my zip code, I found that in addition to a local county recycling center, my local grocery store recycles batteries. I'll probably drop off my laptop batteries when I go shopping.

How do you dispose of your batteries?

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Comments (4):

blue comment bubble Posted by Albert on November 25, 2009 at 03:04 AM EST

Since many types of batteries are considered household waste, you should follow proper guidelines for disposal. Your town or city will most likely have a hazardous waste pick-up or drop-off day. Check with the city's website or newsletter to find what guidelines, if any, should be followed for properly disposing of batteries. Most hazardous waste days are noted in the local newspaper as well.

Many of the regular alkaline batteries are not considered hazardous waste and can be disposed of in the normal household trash. For other batteries such as lithium, mercuric, oxide, nickel-cadmium, nickel metal hydride and silver oxide however, it's best to err on the side of caution and follow your town's battery recycling guidelines. The batteries contain elements that can leak into the ground presenting a hazard to the environment. In most cases, batteries can be brought to your local recycling center at any time, or they can be picked up on your town's designated household waste disposal days.

Many automotive stores and other places selling batteries will accept batteries for recycling as well. In addition, there are commercial battery disposal organizations which will recycle your batteries for a small fee. Most of these places can be found using an internet search or by looking in your local business telephone directory. Never take the lazy route and dispose of batteries in a fire. They'll ignite, explode and possibly cause damage to you or the surrounding area.

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blue comment bubble Posted by Unknown on November 28, 2009 at 03:07 AM EST

I dispose of lap top batteries through local computer shops.

We run a small business where a few of us carry lap tops in work vehicles and often the computers are left inside the vehicles that get quite hot.

Here in Australia things work a little different and there are not many places for such things.

When in doubt I suggest heading to your local computer shop for instructions.

Many thanks.

Mark B
http://www.carpetcleaningconsumerguide.com.au

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blue comment bubble Posted by BATTERY RETURN DEPOSIT on December 04, 2009 at 04:00 PM EST

IF WE REALLY WANT TO RECYCLE LETS FOLLOW THE BOTTLE RETURN SYSTEM THAT WORKS GREAT. PUT A 5 CENT OR 10 DEPOSIT ON EACH BATTERY AND A PLACE THAT WILL ACCEPT THERE RETURN THAT WILL PAY THE REFUND AND RECYCLE THE BATTERY.


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blue comment bubble Posted by abhisek on January 10, 2010 at 05:42 PM EST

A team of scientists from Stanford University in the United States, has created a battery from plain, simple and normal paper.
If they bacame sucessful then we all have no problem.

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