Billions of batteries are used throughout the world- the US uses over 2.5 billion batteries every year. The throw-away type of batteries used in such appliances as clocks and watches, radios, shavers and toys are energy-efficient and polluting once discarded. On average, a battery requires 50 times more energy to manufacture than it will ever produce as output. Rechargeable batteries can be used up to 1000 times before they wear out, but at present they all contain cadmium. The high-energy button types used in cameras and hearing aids usually contain high levels of mercury and should be returned to stores for safe disposal. 99% of cadmium can be recovered from rechargeable batteries.
The lead acid battery is the most common type of rechargeable battery, from the type used in all cars and for energy systems on boats and caravans to the large stand-alone wind and solar systems. Nickel cadmium rechargeable batteries have very small capacities, but are useful for powering radios, small lights and similar appliances.
Reuse: The time to recharge depends on the strength of sunlight, or the depth of discharge of the batteries. For the best results, recharge at the first sign of weakness. Batteries last up to four times longer when recharged after only a 50% discharge. Older batteries do become inefficient and replacement before the end of their life is often necessary to keep equipment working at its highest efficiency.
Batteries (dry-cell, rechargeable, automotive, button,lead-acid)
Battery technology is becoming increasingly important with the rise of portable computing, remote data monitoring and electric vehicle research. Unfortunately batteries contain metals, acids and other compounds that can be bad when released into the environment. Here's how to recycle the most common battery types:
Alkaline & Carbon-Zinc ("Heavy Duty") dry cell batteries, Disposal
Consumers in the USA have few options for these types of batteries. The experts recommend individuals place these with normal household trash, unless your trash is incinerated or you are restricted by local regulations. Some communities collect batteries as part of a recycling program, but the batteries generally end up in a hazardous waste landfill. Several reclamation companies are now processing these batteries, so the situation may improve soon.
Rechargeable batteries provide the only alternative. Ni-Cd batteries may be recharged many times, but have much less capacity than alkalines. Rayovac sells a line of reusable alkaline batteries called "Renewal", which have a large fraction of the capacity of a regular alkaline, but only last for 25 or so charges. Do not send any type of dry cell battery to facilities designed to recycle other rechargeables.
Nickel-Cadmium batteries, Recycling
Nicad rechargeable batteries can be recycled, and it is important to do so because of the toxic metal cadmium contained in the batteries. See the companion guide to common materials for the details.
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), Recycling Lithium Ion (Li-Ion), Recycling
Many newer laptop computers and other portable use Nickel Metal Hydride or Lithium-Ion batteries. Battery retailer Power Express will accept reasonable numbers of batteries by surface mail or UPS Ground for recycling. Package to prevent electrical short circuits and send to: Power Express Batteries, ATTN: Battery Recycling, 14388 Union Avenue, San Jose, CA 95124 (USA).
Button Cell Batteries, Recycling / Proper Disposal
Most small, round "button cell" type batteries contain mercury, silver, cadmium, lithium or other heavy metals as their main component. These materials leak in landfills, can enter the water table, and are even worse when incinerated. Button Cells are increasingly targeted for recycling because of the value of recoverable materials, the hazard to the environment, and the small size and easy handling relative to other battery types.
Many shops that replace watch and hearing aid batteries will accept your batteries for recycling at no charge. Check with a jeweler, watchmaker, or volume retailer like Pay-less or K-Mart. If you have your watch batteries replaced, be sure to ask if the battery will be recycled. Stores & repair shops can purchase plastic-lined collection/shipping containers from MERECO 1218 Central Ave, Albany NY 12205 1-800-833-3505. Believe it or not, the batteries are sorted by part numbers looked up in a reference guide. Obviously a better type marking system is needed, and perhaps one that allows batteries to be sorted by machine.
Automotive batteries, Recycling
Automotive batteries contain lead. Lead is both toxic and valuable; in the US over 95% of all automotive batteries are recovered and recycled. Virtually any place that sells batteries will take them back, most state laws require it. Unfortunately many batteries are sent to overseas smelters with poor environmental and worker health records; you might ask where your battery will be sent. Domestic recycler EXIDE has a good reputation.
Non-automotive lead-based batteries (Gel Cells, SLA, etc), Recycling
Gel cells and sealed lead-acid batteries are commonly used in industrial equipment, emergency lighting, and alarm systems. The same recycling process applies as with automotive batteries, but not all retailers will understand this. An automotive store may accept the batteries, you can try a security dealer, The Battery Council International at (312) 664-6610, or your local waste agency. Good resources for comparison, care and feeding of batteries are Cadex Electronics, the IBET Rechargeable Battery Tutorial and NiCad Ramblings.