The Dangers of Not Knowing: Recycling Batteries and Light Bulbs

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage):  Every year, 2.9 billion batteries are thrown in the trash in the U.S., yet most batteries can be recycled. By their nature, batteries and light bulbs are household items that eventually need to be replaced. However, once they have been replaced, many people are unaware that their old batteries and bulbs can be recycled, so instead they end up throwing them in the trash.

Environmental Impact
About two-thirds of U.S. household waste is either incinerated or placed in landfills. This method of disposal is a big problem when it comes to batteries, since they contain chemicals and heavy metals that can be dangerous if not disposed of properly. When placed in a landfill, these chemicals and heavy metals can leak out, contaminating soil, groundwater, lakes and streams. Incinerating old batteries is equally as harmful as doing so releases these heavy metals into the air. These materials are not only harmful to the environment, but also to human health.

Light bulbs can contain both mercury and phosphor, both of which are toxic to human beings. When light bulbs are thrown out, they end up in landfills where these substances can leach out into the groundwater and end up contaminating drinking water.  Although each bulb only contains a small amount of these chemicals, these substances build up over time to become more dangerous.

Each one of us has a responsibility to the environment, and a responsibility for the products we use. Most batteries contain hazardous chemicals and rare metals that are a limited resource on our planet; by recycling these materials they can be reused for generations to come. When you recycle old batteries and light bulbs instead of throwing them away, manufacturing companies can reuse the raw materials. Therefore, recycling batteries and bulbs not only reduces pollution, but also conserves resources and contributes to the economy.

The Essential Role of Lead Batteries
Did you know the lead in lead batteries is infinitely recyclable? A new lead battery is typically comprised of more than 80 percent recycled materials.1 The ability to safely recycle lead batteries is especially important as 70 percent of the world’s rechargeable energy storage needs are met by lead batteries2, which equates to millions at work every day—not to mention the millions of vehicles that rely on lead batteries for power.

Where to Recycle Old Batteries and Bulbs
Retailers who accept these items collect from consumers and businesses and then work with certified recycling processors to complete the recycling. The impact this has on a community is it gives consumers and businesses the resource to take these items off their hands in an environmentally friendly way. It also saves them from taking up space in their homes or places of work, ending up in a landfill, or contaminating the ground due to improper disposal.

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantagemag.com