The document provides guidance on recycling batteries, emphasizing the environmental safety of standard alkaline batteries while encouraging the purchase of rechargeable batteries to minimize landfill waste. It highlights the toxic metals found in rechargeable batteries and the importance of proper disposal, as well as their recyclability through programs like call2recycle. Additionally, it suggests using environmentally friendly charging options to reduce carbon footprints.

1. How to Recycle Batteries
Recycle Series: Part III
brought to you
byMicroempowering.org

2. Batteries
• Most batteries, with the
exception of
rechargeable and
lithium batteries, pose
minimal risk to the
environment if
discarded in the regular
trash.
• This is due to standard
household alkaline
batteries no longer
containing mercury.

3. Purchasing Rechargeable Batteries
• Before buying standard household
batteries consider purchasing
rechargeable batteries.
• Rechargeable batteries can be
used multiple times before
disposal.
• They save you money and reduce
the number of batteries that end
up in landfills.
• Note: Make sure that they are appropriate
for the equipment you are using.

4. Toxicity of Rechargeable Batteries
• While rechargeable
batteries are greener,
many toxic metals,
including cadmium,
cobalt, and lead, are used
to make them.
• These metals are harmful
to the environment and
people; therefore, it is
essential to dispose of
them properly.

5. Rechargeable Batteries are Recyclable!
• The metals used to make
rechargeable batteries can
be later be recycled to
make more batteries, which
reduces the need to mine
for new resources.
• Programs like Call2Recycle
are working to educate
people on how to recycle
rechargeable batteries.

6. Recycling Rechargeable Batteries
• Rechargeable batteries
can be brought back to
any store that sells
them.
• To prevent the risk of
fire, each battery
should be individually
bagged or packaged
(stores will often have
free bags available).

7. Charging Batteries
• Go green by purchasing
solar or environmentally
friendly chargers that
decrease your carbon
footprint while extending
the life of your
rechargeable battery.
• You can find such chargers
at retailers like Powerstick,
who offer energy efficient
merchandise.

8. For more information on topics like this visit
ourResource page at www.Microempowering.org