Batteries power many items that we rely on in our daily lives. They can pile up when they are no longer useful. Normally we throw them in the trash. This is how batteries enter landfills. If we are cautious about what we throw in the trash, we may save our environment at a faster pace.

Batteries come in a variety of sizes and can be either rechargeable or single-use. The Department of Natural Resources recommends recycling all batteries by taking them to a recycling facility for secure disposal. They should never go to recycling household bins. Lead Acid batteries or automotive-type batteries are banned from disposal. The best bet for residents of Wisconsin is to bring their lead-acid batteries to a recycling facility.

What are the types of batteries? How to Dispose of Batteries?

Single-use batteries of any size can be present throughout your home. Any battery that is not rechargeable falls into this category. Any single-use batteries with a common metal composition are non-hazardous, and you can get rid of them in the trash. But, this is not advisable for other single-use batteries and many common types contain mercury in them. 

Mercury is a hazardous element and disposal is mandatory. Recycle Technologies recycles all kinds of single-use batteries. Similarly, every battery can be recycled, and its by-product becomes a second commodity. The best way to recycle single-use batteries is to call us. Recycle Technologies is a prominent example. It offers a mail-in recycling program that accepts batteries.

 You can purchase our pre-paid cardboard boxes that come with shipping tags. This way you can send them to our state-of-the-art facility in the comfort of your home. Fill the box with your used batteries and drop them at the nearest FedEx. 

We suggest using rechargeable batteries instead of single-use batteries. Their use is limitless and safe for the environment. Alkaline batteries are mostly present in smoke detectors, remotes, and wall clocks. Recycle Technologies collects, sorts, and recycles more than 5 million pounds of alkaline batteries every year. Our processes help us to grind the batteries into reclaimed resources. One of the by-products is a zinc-manganese concentrate which comes in handy in growing corn.

How to Dispose of Batteries that are rechargeable?

Rechargeable batteries are the most common type of batteries present in households. These come in several types but the most common are:

Nickel Metal and Cadmium batteries are present in cordless power tools, Digital Cameras, two-way radios, and cordless phones. Nickel Metal hydrides are semi-toxic. The better alternative is taking spent batteries to a recycling facility. They have machinery capable of disposing of these types of batteries. Nickel Cadmium should be handled with care. Avoid landfills as cadmium can seep through the soil and become hazardous to the water supply. Your State will be helpless if this happens that is why Recycle Technologies urges that you recycle.

Primary lithium consists of metallic lithium that has an adverse reaction when moisture comes into play. That is why disposing of spent primary lithium batteries is important and should be done at the earliest. Throwing them in a landfill may result in a hazardous situation. The process to handle primary lithium batteries includes a complete discharge of the battery. This way the battery is dried off its contents. Primary lithium can be an alkaline replacement.

Lithium-ion batteries are common for portable electronic devices such as cell phones and laptops. Research has shown that lithium-ion battery is harmless. They should be disposed of at the earliest possible. Keep in mind that this type of battery contains valuable materials as well as higher amounts of toxic elements. Reclamation of these batteries is not done because of environmental reasons but for consumer products. We beg to differ. Our vision involves taking care of the environment first.

Lead Acid batteries are less common in households and are present in emergency devices, exit signs, security systems, mobility scooters, and other items. Lead acid is not considered to be a toxic battery as per European Commission Report. It is the only battery that has a 100 percent recycling rate.

As far as we know rechargeable batteries of any kind should never be thrown into the trash. It is illegal in both Wisconsin and Minnesota states to throw rechargeable batteries into the trash. These batteries come with heavy metals that can be hazardous to the environment and human lives. The best answer for you is to recycle them. 

Home improvement or office supply stores accept this kind of product for recycling. Recycle Technologies is your safest bet as we have been recycling batteries since 1993. You can call us at any time of your leisure to discuss how you can dispose of batteries. And how can we help you do that?

Why recycling batteries is crucial?

It is indispensable to recycle batteries because they have potentially toxic materials in them. This includes cadmium, lead, and mercury. Recycling Technologies helps diverts these metals from landfills and recycle them. Thus, by ensuring that these toxic elements do not become hazards for landfill or safe drinking water. Almost all batteries can be recycled. This means that we can reclaim all the useful materials present in them. Disposing of batteries with recycling minimizes the risk of using natural resources.

Our mail-in program is perfect for out-of-state residents that don’t have proper recycling facilities in their area. The best way to prep your old batteries is to place them in a square cardboard box and seal them. You can either visit our state-of-the-art facility or send your used batteries using our mail-in program. For Single-use batteries, place non-conductive tape on their ends. 

The same thing should be done for rechargeable batteries. Dead electronic devices are recycled separately than dead batteries. They should be removed and placed apart. If you are mailing in your recycling it is advisable to contact us before sending them to courier for final safety steps.

As always it is suggested that batteries and any other electronic goods that contain chemicals should be handled with care. As these can be hazardous to you and your environment. Recycle Technologies takes greater safety precautions when disposing of electronic goods. If you have any other items to dispose of contact our customer support team for guidance.

Can I dispose of my batteries in the trash?

It is unlikely that you can recycle in your trash. Don’t put them in your trash unless you have instructions or the authority to do so. Throwing hazardous electronic goods into the trash is a punishable offense by both state and federal laws. That is why Recycle Technologies Mail-in program comes in handy. Send us your old batteries, and we will recycle them for you. We also have facilities in the Midwest. You can visit our state-of-the-art facility for all your recycling needs.

How are batteries recycled?

It all depends on which kind of battery you are recycling; the components can be reclaimed into precious resources. Almost all battery manufacturers recycle old batteries and use their components to forge new batteries. Reclamation of batteries generates steel which is the baseline product of kitchenware and silverware.

What is the Recycling Process to dispose of batteries responsibly?

The recycling process involves sorting batteries. The collection team places lead acid, nickel-type, and lithium-type batteries into drums. The facility scrubber removes any polluting particles. This leaves the naked cell intact with its metal content. The next step involves chopping it into small pieces and heated until the metal liquefies. Battery recycling is energy intensive as It takes 6 times more energy to reclaim valuable elements. New recycling methods are in play as well.

This is how to dispose of batteries. Recycle Technologies offers recycling solutions for all electronic goods. We are available five days a week. Our Contact Numbers are.