Battery Recycling 101

Over 3 billion dry cell batteries are sold each year in the U.S. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, more than 350 million rechargeable batteries alone are purchased in the U.S. each year. Batteries are a unique product, some of which are comprised of toxic components. Rechargeable batteries include heavy metals like cadmium. There are many ways to recycle single use and rechargeable batteries, most of which depends on the type of battery you have. You can also reduce waste with prevention. Buy only what you need - 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 Batteries can be recycled and there are many locations available at Earth911. Learn more about rechargeable battery recycling from the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation. Battery recycling and reuse can have a positive impact towards our reduction of battery waste and pollution. But first lets understand the basics of batteries. Batteries 101 Tips on Recycling Batteries Primary, Single Use Batteries Alkaline Batteries Carbon-Zinc & Zinc Chloride Batteries Lithium Manganese Batteries Zinc Air Batteries Silver Oxide & Mercuric Oxide Batteries Secondary, Rechargeable Batteries Nickel-Cadmium Batteries (NiCd) Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries (NiMH) Lithium-Ion and Lithium-Ion Polymer Batteries (Li-ion) Lead Acid Batteries (Automotive & Sealed Lead-Based) Courtneay Freeman-Zadrowski www.wolvesofsaintfrancis.org & www.designhoustongreen.com Take Care of Yourself - Howl @ the Moon with Reckless Abandon - Treat Each Other & All Creatures with Kindness & Respect!