Why Recycle Batteries?
As our world continues to become more and more electrified, we continue to find solutions for batteries to be reuse, repurposed and/or recycled. While batteries are made up from a wide range of different chemistries. When recycled, output from the batteries go back into the production of new things including planes, new batteries and even fertilizer. Battery recycling also helps conserve our natural resources while reducing the global impacts of virgin mining.
When recycling these batteries, it is important to put safety first. Batteries should be stored in a battery recycling kit/box before they are sent for recycling.
Significance of Recycling
It may be easy to throw expired or damaged batteries into the trash bin, but we challenge people to think before they act. If thrown away these batteries will contribute to the growing waste in landfills and lose the valuable materials inside them. If recycled improperly or thrown away, they could pose safety risks to not only the workers in those facilities but the trucks that transport them.
When recycled, the materials from old batteries can be reused to make new things, even new batteries! The recycling process breaks down batteries into their most basic components. Recyclers take the components that can be reused while keeping toxic materials out of landfills. Recycling lithium batteries or any other type of battery has more advantages than you may think.
- Conservation of natural resources
- Helps prevent pollution by reducing the need to collect new raw materials
- Saves energy spent on refining virgin materials
- Reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change
- Helps sustain the environment for future generations
- Helps expand the recycling industries in the United States
- Once the materials are recycled, they can be reused in making new products
Dos and Don’ts of Disposing Batteries
Here are some dos and don’ts for disposing of these batteries.
Dos
- Store batteries in a battery recycling kit, ensuring safety.
- Store batteries in a cool dry place.
- Learn about what batteries need to be taped.
- If recycling a device ensure no data is remaining on the electronics before recycling.
- If a battery is easily from a device, safely remove the battery.
- If a battery is damaged inside a device or not easily removable, recycle the entire product.
- Find a recycling partner with full traceability.
- Stay informed on battery regulations.
Don’ts
- Do not throw the batteries in the trash.
- Do not keep them by metals.
- Do not mix damaged or corroded batteries with other ones. It is important to handle damaged batteries safely.
How to Prepare Batteries for Recycling?
Here are some pointers to prepare the batteries for recycling:
- Put batteries in battery recycling kits to ensure safe transport to the recycling center.
- When needed, tape the terminals with clear tape before placing in the recycling container. To learn about what batteries need to be taped please visit our instructions that include a taping guide.
- Ensure proper labeling of batteries when being transported.
Trust the experts. Recycle today.