Battery Waste And The Hazardous Effects On Our Environment
Battery waste is a serious issue many of us are probably not even aware of. Considering the number of batteries we use in our lives at home on a daily basis, the overall effects of battery waste in our nation’s landfills is rather alarming. Whether it’s a TV remote control, your kid’s toys, a wall clock, an air conditioning thermostat or your personal razor, it’s very likely you are using batteries to power some or all of these items. Restaurants, convenience stores and other commercial operations also use a wide number of battery operated items in their establishments every day. From fire alarms and thermostats to backup power supplies, lighting fixtures and flameless candles, the list goes on about the number of battery operated items a business uses daily. Taking into account the level of batteries you and your business may go through in a year, you may want to consider what to do with your used, unwanted batteries - namely recycle them.
First and foremost, recycling used batteries is mandated by numerous federal and state laws. Used lithium-based, lead-acid and nickel cadmium batteries pose a serious threat to the environment, especially if they end up in landfills. When these batteries become corroded and start to break down in the landfills, they may start to leak chemicals into the soil, which could inevitably end up in the ocean waters and ultimately into our food chain.
Another issue with used, unwanted batteries is that mishandled ones could cause fires or explode in waste and recycling trucks, transfer stations or landfills, where many will ultimately end up.
Recycling used batteries also reduces the growing need for some raw materials, including lithium, nickel, lead and cobalt, which when currently mined release toxic metals into the air. Hence battery recycling promotes the reuse of these materials, since these raw materials used in battery production are extremely recyclable.
There are some cautions to take to avoid the potential hazards of a used battery either short circuiting or causing a fire: all batteries, including 9V, 12V, lithium and small-sealed lead acid batteries should be taped at the terminals, prior to sending them out for recycling.
Battery recycling laws vary from state to state. Call2Recycle, a non-profit organization dedicated to battery recycling offers Recycling Laws By State on their site. If you have used unwanted batteries at your home or establishment that you want to recycle, click here to see if there are drop-off locations near you to take the specific battery types to. Otherwise, Call2Recycle offers turnkey and flexible options to ship all used battery types to them, via their Battery Recycling Shipping Program.
Waste Cost Solutions is committed to informing the community about environmental issues that may inevitably affect us all. As the industry’s waste, recycling, and sustainability leader, Waste Cost Solutions delivers world-class customer support to our thousands of clients nationwide. We earnestly work to resolve any waste, recycling or facilities-related issue your business may have. Our team of specially trained agents are solution specialists who expressly work for you and your business. From overloaded dumpster issues to staying up-to-date with local and state ordinances, Waste Cost Solutions is with you day in and day out.
Whether your establishment requires window replacement, handyman and general repairs, dumpster sanitizing, plumbing, roof repairs, bulk removal request or enclosure repair and replacement, Waste Cost Solutions is here to assist you every step of the way. Contact us today at 800-509-5399 or email us at help@WasteCostSolutions.com
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