Single Use Batteries 101
On average, each person in the U.S discards eight dry-cell batteries per year. Additionally, most batteries are made up of heavy metals. Some of these toxic heavy metals in batteries include nickel, mercury and lead, which can threaten our environment if not properly discarded.
Because of the materials of which they are made, these batteries may or may not be considered hazardous waste in your state. Therefore, you should always check with your local government health, solid waste or recycling department before you consider their disposal. Most importantly, there are recycling programs in place for all of these materials, so batteries should be recycled whenever possible and never thrown in the trash.
Improperly disposed batteries may produce the following potential problems or hazards:
- Pollute lakes and streams as the metals vaporize into the air when burned
- Contribute to heavy metals that potentially may leach from solid waste landfills
- Expose the environment and water to lead and acid
- Contain strong corrosive acids
- Cause burns or danger to eyes and skin
Vital stats from the U.S. EPA about batteries:
- Americans purchase nearly three billion dry-cell batteries every year to power radios, toys, cellular phones, watches, laptop computers and portable power tools.
- Nearly 99 million wet-cell, lead-acid car batteries are manufactured each year.
- A typical lead-acid battery contains 60 to 80 percent recycled lead and plastic.
