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Reuse, Reduce, Recharge: How to Recycle Batteries

Even though things seem to have less wires than ever, we still have a battery obsession. Our cell phones and video game controllers and wireless keyboards all require batteries. The technology we have these days allows batteries to run longer than ever, but every now and then you have to dispose of a battery. Don’t make the mistake of throwing it in the bin! Batteries can be recycled, and as long as you know the why, where, and how, you too can do your part.

Why?

It’s tempting to pitch a battery in the bin. It’s so small and unassuming and perhaps seems an unlikely candidate for recycling. The foremost reason to not throw batteries out with household waste is they contain toxic heavy metals. This can include nasty things like mercury, and if they aren’t disposed of properly, you can release harmful pollutants into the earth. On the flip side, batteries contain a number of resources ideal for reuse. Containing metals like lithium ion, nickel cadmium, or zinc these component parts are highly recyclable.

Where?

Fortunately recycling your batteries is easier than ever before. The most common place for battery recycling is your neighbourhood battery recycling bin. Tall and slender, you’ve perhaps seen them on the corner, but they are not to be confused for sleek, modern post boxes. These curbside towers are receptacles designed for battery disposal. If you don’t have one of these nearby, you can also take your batteries to Tesco, Boots, Curry’s, and Sainsbury’s. These locations can’t take car batteries or industrial batteries, but most every other kind is accepted with open arms. If you need to dispose of industrial or car batteries, contact a professional service like Rubbish Please. Companies like Rubbish Please have the means and resources to ensure these tricky items are disposed of properly.

How?

This is perhaps the most interesting part in a batteries road to renewal. After the batteries are sorted, the raw materials are recovered. Since batteries are made from metals such as lead, nickel, zinc, and lithium, the wide array of new products is staggering. Lead batteries can go toward agricultural needs transforming into washing powder and plasterboard filler. Nickel can be recast as steel plating. Lithium Ion can be reused for paint manufacturing. The applications are endless, but it begins with recycling.

As your batteries have given you power, give your batteries the power to make change. Dispose of them properly, and help lead the charge on battery recycling.

Image source: www.flickr.com/photos/scalespeeder/

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