Recycle Batteries to
Save Money and Your Health
Trying to recycle batteries is inconvenient. In cultures where disposable goods are the norm, why should batteries be any different? Because many of them contain toxic chemicals. Knowing which are harmful and which are not is part of our collective responsibility to preserve a healthy environment for ourselves and for our children Mercury and lead are the prime culprits. Each is a potent neuro-toxin capable of causing devastating developmental defects. Children and pregnant women are most susceptible. Simply because a landfill is far from your home does not ensure safety. Heavy metals like mercury and lead find their way into the air through incineration and leach into water supplies. And ultimately enter our food chain. As small fish eat larger fish, for example, the toxins become more and more concentrated. For a child weighing 30 lbs/66 kg, even relatively safe chunk light tuna should only be eaten once every two weeks! The more each of us can do to limit the spread of these toxic materials, the healthier we will all be. You will keep battery costs lower through recycling as well, since manufacturers can reuse materials rather than buying new raw materials. You will keep landfill operating and cleanup costs down. In the U.S. alone, over 3 billion batteries are sold each year, contributing 88% of the total mercury present in the municipal waste.
The most pressing need is to recycle: Each contains a heavy metal classified as Hazardous Waste. Auto stores will give you a refund for turning in your old car battery—typically $10. It is easy to locate rechargeable battery recycling locations near you
online
or by calling 1-800-8-BATTERY. Unfortunately, it is still somewhat rare to find locations to recycle batteries that are non-rechargeable, such as alkaline. For these, call your county/local government or your fire department. California has more stringent rules, including mandatory battery recycling, so check with the
California Dept. Of Toxic Substances Control.
If you can't locate a recycling center near you for you alkaline or other non-rechargeable batteries, you can order a
pre-paid shipping box
for all types of batteries. The small price of this service is worth the investment you make in a safe, non-toxic environment and food chain for us all.
Return From Recycle Batteries to Reduce Reuse Recycle
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