Our society runs on fossil fuels and electricity true, but our lives would be much more difficult if batteries were not discovered back in the day. Primarily, batteries can be divided into two categories – one-time use and rechargeable cells. No matter which one you choose, you just can’t throw them away when they get damaged or lose their working abilities.
Batteries are made using a combination of heavy metals like:
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- Cadmium
- Manganese
- Copper
- Zinc
- Lithium
- Potassium
- Lead
- Mercury (in trace amounts)
Ask any medical professional and they will tell you that these are not only hazardous for the environment but can pose a serious threat to animal and human life as well. Batteries are made to keep the integrity of their protective shell for a long time.
But when batteries are left exposed to the elements, especially after they end up in landfills, the chemical contents within can leak out of the battery and contaminate the environment. However, all is not lost; you can ask a skip bin service provider like www.lakemacquarieskips.com.au for tips or take a look at the following sections for best results.
A few methods to get rid of old batteries and minimize waste
As per the advice of waste management companies, here are a few offbeat methods to safely get rid of old batteries without harming yourself and the environment in the long run:
Deposit old batteries in designated collection points
With time, local authorities take several initiatives where they set up designated battery collection points in local outlets like supermarkets and places visited by the common mass. It is best that you drop off your used batteries in these places. The collected batteries are then properly recycled by the authorities and their waste management team so that the negative impact of batteries on the environment is minimized.
Put used and damaged batteries in battery bags
If you are a bit short in time, you can always ask for your waste management service provider to give you battery bags. These are specially designed bags where you can store dead or damaged cells. Once the bag is full, you can place it next to the garbage bags for collection.
It is best to go for rechargeable cells instead of one-time use cells to minimize waste
The best alternative is to simply switch to rechargeable batteries and stick to using them. A rechargeable battery has a long working life. It is the best method to cut waste and meet your energy requirements.
In recent years, several studies have proven that two of the primary components found in batteries – Cadmium and Nickel are carcinogens. On top of that, lead is responsible for birth defects as well as neurological and developmental issues in children. Batteries when left exposed in landfills, release mercury vapours, which is the most toxic for human life. All in all, it is advised that you refrain from throwing batteries irresponsibly in your skip bin. Take help from your skip bin service provider when it comes to recycling old batteries.
