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 Battery Disposal

By Bobby George

With so many devices using batteries these days, it is important to make sure you always have a fresh battery available when you need it. But, it is equally important to make sure you know what to do with a dead battery when you get ready to replace it. Here are some tips for disposing of old or unused batteries.

Most experts agree that removing dead batteries from a device immediately after they die is the best practice, since they sometimes have a tendency to leak when left inside a device for too long. It is also a bad idea to mix old batteries and new ones in an attempt to make a device function again. So, as a general rule, remove a dead battery from the device it is in immediately after you discover that it is dead or almost dead.

When disposing of dead batteries, it is important to keep batteries separate, since even dead batteries may ignite or spark if stored or carried in a small container where several batteries can come into direct contact. It is usually a good idea to place each battery inside some kind of plastic bag, so that they cannot make contact when being handled. It is also important to know what type of batteries you are dealing with before disposing of them. Standard alkaline batteries and rechargeable batteries must be handled differently in order to ensure your safety and the safety of the environment.

As a general rule, it is a bad idea to throw batteries away in the household garbage can. Alkaline batteries can be disposed of as common waste, but they should be bagged up and put in a dumpster. Rechargeable batteries are hazardous waste due to their chemical and metal content. These batteries must be recycled or disposed of at an approved hazardous waste deposit site.

When looking for a place to drop off your used batteries, check with your city's waste management to determine where you need to drop off the batteries for them to be disposed of. Many stores that sell batteries also have a battery recycling receptacle where they can place your batteries and ship them to a recycling center.