Why You Should Recycle Batteries
August 10, 2023
Recycling is a hallmark of responsible corporate citizens. It’s a reflection of their commitment to improve the environment for everyone. With that in mind, there is little you can do to help the environment than to recycle batteries. And that’s just the first reason why you should recycle batteries.
1. They Contain Highly Toxic Materials
Unlike less toxic recyclables, like paper, batteries contain many hazardous, toxic and corrosive materials like mercury, cadmium, lithium, and lead. When you throw out a battery in the regular garbage, those chemicals leak into the soil and can be released into the air in vapour. In time, those carcinogens can find their way into the water we drink and the air we breathe – and the air and water on which every living thing on earth depends.
In addition, mining many of these materials can release potentially toxic compounds into the air. Not only does that affect the environment, but people who work in the mines are exposed to the same toxins.
2. It’s the Law
While laws and regulations may differ from region to region, throwing out batteries in the regular garbage pick-up is often illegal. Businesses found to dispose of batteries improperly may be fined.
3. Lowers Costs
Many of the materials used in batteries are rare, non-renewable and/or costly to mine. Battery production uses raw-earth materials like lithium, nickel, lead and cobalt, as well as aluminum and copper. Each of these materials can be sourced from recycled batteries. But the potential to reduce the costs of materials is just one of the benefits of recycling batteries.
In addition, the raw materials used in battery production can be repeatedly recycled. So, for example, the aluminum cases o a ‘AA’ battery can continue to be reused from one battery to the next. That reduces the need to mine more bauxite and transport it to aluminum processing plants. And those plants don’t need to produce as much fresh aluminum.
4. It’s Easy to Recycle Batteries
Papersavers offers battery recycling services. So, all you have to do is collect your us batteries in a container and give us a call.
If you found this post helpful, check out our recent article, How & Why You Should Recycle Cardboard Properly
