Watch Battery Recycling Introduction

If you frequently wear watches, you know how to change their battery after it dies. But did you ever think about what happens to the discarded old ones? Unfortunately, watch batteries are thrown away with regular household waste and end up in landfills. Which later on leak toxic chemicals into the environment. So what to do with old watch batteries?

Well, you don’t have to worry, as we know if there is a will, there is a way! The solution is “watch battery recycling.” With the proper disposal of your used watch batteries, you can play your part toward green and safe earth. For this purpose, Recycle Technologies Inc. provides multiple recycling services through mail-in programs and pick-up. In this blog, we will learn about the outcomes if we don’t follow up on recycling. How to watch battery recycling contributes towards a better environment by eliminating severe risks to human health.

Are watch batteries recyclable?

A watch battery, coin battery, or button cell, by look, might seem harmless, but there contain toxic and hazardous materials like lithium, silver oxide, and cadmium in them. Mercury batteries that end up in landfills contaminate water and food chains. Recycle Technologies Inc is a private-owned recycler that provides good small battery disposal service through a mail-in program. For details, click here.

What can you do with lithium watch batteries?

Lithium watch batteries play a critical role in e-waste as they are considered harmless at first, but in reality, they can cause fire during transport or at landfills. They must be taken to recycling facilities separately. According to EPA recommendations, such batteries must be taken to a Lithium-ion Battery recycler for proper disposal and to avoid such severe outcomes.

Are watch batteries valuable?

Yes, the silver-in-silver oxide watch batteries can be recycled and reused. This material can help produce new batteries. Furthermore, other than silver-oxide, materials like nickel, cadmium, and cobalt are also recycled as they are good at storing and releasing electrical energy. These materials are also responsible for charging and discharging the battery.

How many years does a watch battery last?

A watch battery is considered to last for about two years. However, the lifespan depends on different factors like its functions, age, or how long it has been stored at the manufacturer. Some watch batteries last about 14 to 24 months; others might go up to 6 years (UniEnergy Battery, 2023). Nevertheless, some lithium-ion batteries contain a theoretical lifecycle of a maximum of ten years. So, the lifespan and material used in watch batteries are co-linked.

Can you throw away batteries?

It's common sense that you should not throw any e-waste into your regular trash. The battery contains hazardous elements that can contaminate the water supply if not appropriately handled. Most communities have watch battery recycling programs allowing you to drop off old batteries at designated locations. Similarly, Recycle Technologies provides you with a pick-up facility if you contain a bulk of batteries to recycle. For details, click here.

Can unused watch batteries expire?

Watch batteries can expire, although the expiration date can differ depending on the type of battery and manufacturer, as most watch batteries are made of lithium and silicon. These contain a shelf life of around 2 to 3 years. This means that if they aren’t used, they may lose their charge and become unusable.

To maximize the lifetime of your watch batteries, storing them in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight is significant. You should also avoid storing them near other metal objects or in contact with other batteries, as this can cause them to discharge or short-circuit. And if the battery is dead, it should be disposed of properly, following the guidelines for watch battery recycling or disposal in your area.

Where to recycle single-use batteries?

We use single-use batteries to power up our daily appliances like remote controls, wall clocks, digital scales, etc. Watch batteries aren’t usually very complicated as they come with a steel shell. The steel is highly recyclable, and the other components can be reused. So, it is essential to reuse and recycle to conserve the resource and keep the earth clean.

 E-waste is expanding globally; its proper disposal has become the utmost priority. Improper removal may lead to severe consequences such as legal actions and fines. Recycling watch batteries is becoming a hot topic in the recycling industry. Such batteries like lithium-ion and silver-oxide contain hazardous substances which lead to air and environmental pollution. The best solution is to choose to recycle. 

Need help to find a local recycler? Check out Recycle Technologies Inc.