Household Battery Disposal: Overview
Batteries generally come in two different categories — single-use and rechargeable. Rechargeable batteries can be reused because the specific chemical reaction used to create their power can be reversed.
Types of Single-Use Batteries: Alkaline, Button Cell, and Lithium
Types of Rechargeable Batteries: Nickel-Cadmium, Nickel-metal Hydride, Lithium-ion, Rechargeable Alkaline, and Lead-acid (automotive & non-automotive)
End-of-Life Management by Battery Type
Alkaline and Carbon-Zinc Batteries - The EPA estimates that the average American discards eight of these common household batteries per year. They are AAA, AA, C, D, and 9V, and they are used in flashlights, remote controls, and other appliances. Alkaline batteries can be either rechargeable or single-use, but only rechargeables can be recycled. There are several reclamation companies now processing these batteries.
Button-Cell Batteries -These batteries are often targeted for recycling because they contain valuable metals, are small in size, and are relatively easy to handle. Button cells are found in watches and hearing aids, and can contain mercury, silver, cadmium, lithium, or other heavy metals.
Lithium-ion - These batteries are used for a variety of applications including electric vehicles, computers, and cell phones. Lithium-ion batteries have a number of performance advantages, but are much more expensive than other rechargeables. They can contain manganese, cobalt, nickel, chromium, or aluminum depending on their function, and are accepted by the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC).
Lithium - These re a single-use battery that should not be confused with Lithium-ion batteries. Lithium batteries are found in medium-drain electronics such as cameras, and must be carefully disposed of because lithium is explosive in reaction with air or water.
Nickel-Cadmium -These were the first consumer rechargeable batteries to be introduced on the market. However, because they contain cadmium, a carcinogen on the EPA's targeted waste minimization list, they are being phased out and should all be recycled to avoid release of toxins.
Nickel-metal Hydride -These are often the best choice for consumers looking for the combination of low cost and waste prevention. Similar to Nickel-Cadmium batteries. they come in standard sizes, and can be easily recycled through the RBRC.
Lead-Acid Automobile Batteries - The EPA estimates that 90% of lead-acid batteries are recycled, and a typical battery contains 60-80% recycled materials. This is largely due to state regulations requiring retailers to collect old batteries. Once reclaimed, they are crushed into coin-sized pieces and separated into component parts. Plastics are sent to re-processors to be made into new products, and purified lead is sent back to battery manufacturers to be reused.
Non-Automotive Lead-Based Batteries - The recycling process for gel cells and sealed lead-acid batteries is the same as automotive batteries, and for that reason they are often accepted by automotive retailers even though they are most commonly used to power emergency lighting and alarm systems.
Rechargeable Battery Recycling
The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), a nonprofit public service organization, targets four kinds of rechargeable batteries for recycling: nickel-cadmium (Ni-CD), nickel metal hydride, lithium ion, and small-sealed lead. The Call2Recycle program offers various recycling plans for communities, retailers, businesses, and public agencies.
RATIONALE
The EPA estimates that Americans purchase nearly 3 billion dry-cell household batteries every year, and almost 100 million wet-cell lead-acid car batteries are manufactured each year. Only 20% of dry-cell batteries purchased in the United States are rechargeable. Over their useful life, rechargeable batteries can replace hundreds of single-use batteries. All batteries contain heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and nickel, which are carcinogenic and can contaminate the environment when batteries are disposed improperly. Incineration releases heavy metals into the air and also concentrates in the ash.
BENEFITS
- Proper disposal avoids environmental contamination and human exposure
- Batteries are potentially a valuable source of recyclable metal
RISKS
- physical injury to sanitation workers handling the materials
- the potential capital costs for transport vehicles and processing facilities
- the requirement of community participation for long-term viability
ACTION AGENT(S)
- Environmental Management Department
- Solid Waste Management/Recycling Department
- Public Works Department
COST
There is no cost to participate in RBRC's Call2Recycle program. RBRC-supplied materials are free of charge, and provide for safe, efficient rechargeable battery and cell phone collection. Materials provided include the collection boxes and plastic bags to place individual rechargeable battery, or cell phone with battery, into a separate bag to ensure safe storage and shipping. RBRC pays all shipping and recycling costs.
Mechanisms that allow occupants to direct power to devices or adjust devices or systems so that they function within in a pre-determined range (e.g., brightness, temperature).The collection, reprocessing, marketing, and use of materials that were diverted or recovered from the solid waste stream.
