Govind Tekale
As the spent batteries can potentially catch fire or explode, keeping them in your home can be dangerous. If disposed of improperly, discarded batteries can leach harmful chemicals into the environment.
As demand for electronics rises, recycling batteries is becoming more lucrative. Recycling the metals found in batteries is often legally mandated & simpler, unlike recycling plastic. In order to recycle batteries, there are several easy & environmentally friendly ways.
Dropping them off at collection sites is one option; municipalities or companies may provide such sites. Using searchable databases like Call2Recycle, Greener Gadgets, Earth911, & GreenCitizen, electronic-waste recycling facilities can be located.
It should be confirmed that the facility you select accepts the specific type of batteries you have & if there are any requirements on how to prepare them for drop-off. New rules were recently passed by Washington state, requiring battery producers to fund a program for collecting & recycling batteries.
Battery producers will be required by new rules to participate in the collection of smaller batteries used in consumer electronics by 2027, & larger batterie’s by 2029. At least 60% for rechargeable batteries & at least 70% for non-chargeable batteries are the recycling targets set by the new rules.
The number of recycling sites will be expanded by the state to make it easier for residents to recycle their batteries safely. The batterie’s can start fires & leak toxic chemicals into the water & soil, if they are not recycled.
An increasing demand for valuable metals & minerals such as lithium & cobalt can also be met by recycling batteries. For battery recycling, there are several mail-in services available. Minimizing the distance your batteries must travel from your home to their final destination is generally more sustainable.
Reducing the amount of waste in landfills & preserving the environment can be helped by recycling batteries. Natural resources by reducing the need for new materials are conserved by recycling batterie’s. Recycling batterie’s is a simple way to make a positive impact on the environment.
Programs for battery recycling are becoming more widespread & accessible to the general public. Each one of us can contribute to a healthier planet by responsibly disposing of our used batteries.
