'Green' Battery Solutions Vary

The Seattle Times

 

In today's world where so many things are recyclable, or "green," household batteries have an identity crisis.

On the plus side, manufacturers have developed less-toxic, longer-lasting batteries. But battery recycling is still rife with confusion, and safety concerns persist for certain batteries.

Q: So do green batteries exist?

A: The greenest batteries are rechargeables, but for standard battery sizes such as AAA, C and D, they have never achieved mainstream acceptance. Although we routinely plug in our cellphones and music players to juice up the rechargeable batteries inside them, apparently most people would rather use disposable batteries if they have to occasionally remove the batteries from a device themselves.

Q: Couldn't I save money with rechargeables?

A: Absolutely, especially in a device that consumes lots of batteries such as a digital camera, since one rechargeable battery replaces more than 500 disposables. The latest nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, sometimes called hybrid rechargeables, are your best bet.

Q: When a rechargeable battery finally dies, where can I recycle it?

A: The rechargeable battery industry stepped up years ago and set up the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp., which also takes old cellphones. Enter your ZIP code at www.call2recycle.org to find a location among the hundreds of listed retailers in Western Washington accepting rechargeable batteries.

Q: That's great, but what about all the other batteries?

A: This is where it gets confusing. Most common disposable batteries, including AA, AAA, C, D and 9-volt, are considered a low environmental risk, so they are currently allowed in household trash.

Ideally, disposable batteries would get recycled to recapture their steel and zinc, but recycling opportunities are rare. A few area cities accept them at no charge at recycling events, and a handful of local businesses take them for a fee of $1 a pound or more.

Battery recycling got thrown for a loop last year when the U.S. Department of Transportation tightened regulations because of concerns about batteries catching fire during shipping. For batteries other than alkalines, including rechargeables, you should now either separately bag each battery or tape the terminals before recycling. Some businesses that previously accepted all batteries at no charge, such as Ikea in Renton, have discontinued that service because of the new rules.

Q: What do I do with those little button batteries?

A: Button batteries used in hearing aids, watches and various other devices may contain toxic substances and should not go in the garbage. King County and Seattle household hazardous-waste facilities, including the Wastemobile, accept button batteries as well as lithium batteries and all rechargeables. Some hearing-aid retailers also take old button batteries.

Q: Are button batteries dangerous?

A: They should be safe when properly used, but concerns have increased recently about risks from swallowing button batteries. More than 3,500 people, mostly children, swallow button batteries every year, according to the National Capital Poison Center in Washington, D.C.

Swallowed, a button cell battery can get stuck in the esophagus and cause a severe burn.

Infants sometimes swallow the shiny button batteries they find in household devices such as remote controls and bathroom scales. Make sure battery compartments are tightly sealed on electronic devices.

If you think your child has swallowed a button battery, call the center's 24-hour National Battery Ingestion Hotline at 202-625-3333 or visit www.poison.org/battery.

Q: Shouldn't there be some cool, 21st-century innovations that would make all batteries safe and green?

A: The electronics industry is working on it. Advances have already been made, especially in alternative energy, with dozens of systems available that power a device or a charger with solar energy or a hand crank.

These reduce the need for batteries and save money, and who doesn't get a charge out of that?

Recycling Electronics as Easy as Taking out the Trash

Computer World Canada

Ontarians have no excuse for tossing old iPods in the trash as a province-wide recycling program doubles its list of devices and drop-off locations. Torontonians get special curbside treatment and free e-waste bags for tired gadgets.

Recycling gadgets like iPods, cell phones and digital cameras just became easier for Ontario residents as a province-wide electronic recycling program led by the Ontario Electronic Stewardship (OES) moves into Phase 2 of its plan.

Forty-four electronic devices now qualify for the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) program, an industry-developed plan approved by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and funded by electronics manufacturers and importers.

Phase 1, which launched in April 2009, allowed eco-friendly Ontarians to drop-off devices like computers, monitors, printers, disk drives, keyboards, mice, fax machines and TVs for recycling free of charge at 167 locations across the province.

Phase 2, scheduled to launch exactly one year later, extends the list of recyclable electronics to include devices like MP3 players, digital cameras, cell phones, VCRs, DVD players and radios. The number of drop-off sites has more than doubled, to more than 500 locations.

Ontarians who wish to prevent their old electronic equipment from leaking toxic residues and hazardous waste into the environment are encouraged to visit the new dowhatyoucan.ca site to find their closest OES-approved collection location.

Torontonians are the exception to the rule. Instead of visiting a drop-off site, all residents need to do is take out the trash – and make sure their electronics are placed neatly beside it.

The City of Toronto’s electronics diversion program, which has provided curbside electronics and battery recycling since September 2009, accepts all OES Phase 1 and Phase 2 products. Toronto is the first and only city in Canada to provide curbside electronics recycling to its residents.

Residents can place large electronics items on the ground (smaller items should be placed in a cardboard box) next to their garbage bins on garbage collection days. This spring, the city will provide bags specifically designated for electronics waste free of charge. Specially designated electronic waste collection containers for apartment dwellers are also in the works.

OES announced the details of Phase 2 with City of Toronto Mayor David Miller and Ontario Minister of the Environment John Gerretsen at a launch event on Tuesday at the City of Toronto Reuse Centre, one of the OES-approved locations.

Roughly one-third of all electronic waste (commercial and residential) is currently recycled in Ontario, said Gerretsen. “We want to see that grow over the next five years to at least two-thirds,” he said.

The Ultimate Battery Guide

Earth 911

Americans purchase nearly 3 billion dry-cell batteries every year to power radios, toys, cellular phones, watches, laptop computers and portable power tools, according to the U.S. EPA.

Despite a down economy, battery recycling is at an all-time high. According to Call2Recycle, battery recycling collection saw a 6.9 percent increase, and Call2Recycle collected 6.1 million pounds of rechargeable batteries in 2009.

But most of us just don’t know the technical lingo for the batteries we have and where to start recycling. So, we did the homework for you – a cheat sheet for the most common batteries and how to properly dispose of them.
 

Single-use batteries 

Techie term: Alkaline manganese

Your standard single-use AA and AAA batteries are in the electrics you use daily – your remote control, toys, even smoke detectors. On average, each person in the U.S discards eight dry-cell batteries per year, according to the EPA.

The good: Single-use batteries are produced on a greater scale than rechargeables, making them initially cheaper to purchase. They are also prevalent and widely available, making recycling easily accessible.

The bad: Single-use are often considered more “wasteful,” because we consume such a large quantity of them. And this may sound redundant, but you can only use them once, increasing the need to have extra batteries around at all times in case your (insert electronic gadget here) dies.

The bin: Your local solid waste department may tell you to put alkaline batteries in with your regular trash. This is partly due to the Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act passed in 1996, which phased out the use of mercury in alkaline batteries, making them less of an issue when disposed in landfills. But this doesn’t mean alkalines are not recyclable.

If you’re unable to find a local recycling option, you can consider mail-in recycling programs. They are also accepted for recycling at all Batteries Plus locations.
 

Rechargeable batteries

Techie terms: Nickel-cadminum (NiCd) or the cadmium-free alternative nickel metal hydride (NiMH), which you’ll now find more often with name brands of rechargeable batteries.

The EPA estimates that more than 350 million rechargeable batteries are purchased annually in the U.S. Rechargeable batteries work best in high-tech devices that you will use on a regular basis, such as a digital camera. According to Carl Smith, president and CEO of Call2Recycle, “Rechargeable batteries aren’t necessary for low-cost products that don’t use much power. For example, television remote controls can sometimes last for years on a single-use battery, so it doesn’t make sense to purchase more expensive rechargeable batteries for such a low maintenance device.”

The good: This one may be a given. Because rechargeable batteries can be used over and over again, they are said to save consumers money over the life of each battery. Also, due to the Battery Act of 1996, providing easy ways for the public to recycle these batteries is mandated by law.

The bad: Rechargeables are more expensive upfront and sometimes get a bad rap for not offering enough “bang” for your buck. They also contain a great deal of heavy metals, meaning that if you don’t recycle them, contamination is much more likely.

The bin: While nine states have passed laws banning rechargeable batteries from landfills, New York City and the state of California have passed the only laws requiring manufacturer take-back programs. This means that in four of the 10 largest cities in the U.S., you can purchase rechargeable batteries and know exactly where you can take them for recycling.

But if you live in an area that’s not covered by this mandate, Call2Recycle is a great place to start. Through Call2Recycle’s program, retailers such as Alltel, AT&T, Best Buy, Black & Decker, DeWalt, The Home Depot, Interstate All Battery Centers, Lowe’s, Milwaukee Electrical Tool, Office Depot, Orchard Supply, Porter Cable Service Centers, RadioShack, Remington Product Company, Sears, Staples, Target, US Cellular and Verizon Wireless all offer some sort of battery recycling program.

Extra tidbit: In the debate between single-use versus rechargeable batteries, which one came out on top? You may be surprised…read more
 

Cell phones, laptops and other portable electronics

Techie term: Lithium-ion or lithium-ion polymer (Li-ion)

One of the newest forms of rechargeable technology is the lithium-ion battery, which is commonly found in cell phones and other popular consumer electronics.

These batteries are also being tested for usage in electric vehicles. In fact, Panasonic recently announced that it will be providing lithium-ion batteries for the new Tesla S Model.

The good: Your laptop battery is recyclable, and the metal content of these batteries can be recovered in the recycling process. There is no issue of a memory effect, meaning they can be recharged before they are completely discharged without affecting the energy capacity. Li-ion are smaller, lighter and provide more energy than nickel cadmium or nickel-metal hydride batteries.

The bad: It’s imperative that Li-ion batteries are not put into a landfill because they have the potential to overheat and explode when exposed to hot temperatures. Also, lithium-ion batteries are more expensive than similar capacity NiMH or NiCd batteries. This is because they are much more complex to manufacture and are produced in smaller numbers.

The bin: You will more than likely dispose of a Li-ion battery along with an electronic device, such as upgrading a cell phone or selling a laptop. In most cases, the company that handles your electronic device will accept the cell phone battery as well. Call2Recycle’s program also covers these batteries, so finding recycling locations shouldn’t be a challenge.
 

Car batteries

Techie term: Lead-acid

Lead-acid batteries power most of our transportation vehicles, including automobiles, boats, golf carts and motorcycle batteries. According to the EPA, nearly 90 percent of lead-acid batteries are recycled.

The good: According to the EPA, nearly 90 percent of lead-acid batteries are recycled, making it one of the highest recycled item in the world. Almost any retailer that sells lead-acid batteries collects used batteries for recycling, as required by most state laws.

The bad: Car batteries are one of the most harmful products in a landfill because they are a mixture of lead and sulfuric acid.

The bin: Whether you’re a DIYer or use a mechanic when changing your battery, most retailers that sell car batteries will also take them back for recycling. AAA also sponsors the annual Great Battery Roundup, which is coming up in April.

Lead-acid batteries are recycled by separating the battery into its three main components: Plastic, lead and sulfuric acid. Reclaimers crush batteries into nickel-sized pieces and separate the plastic components. They send the plastic to a reprocessor for manufacture into new plastic products. A typical lead-acid battery contains 60 to 80 percent recycled lead and plastic.
 

Hybrid vehicle batteries

Techie term: Nickel metal hydride (NiMH)

The hybrid car has changed the way we think about emissions, fuel and commuting as a whole. In the recent years, it has been a must-have for greenies wanting to reduce their footprints and penny-pinchers looking to reduce fuel costs.

The good: The hybrid battery packs are designed to last for the lifetime of the vehicle, somewhere between 150,000 and 200,000 miles. In fact, Toyota says since the Prius first went on sale in 2000, they have not replaced a single battery for wear and tear. Most warranties cover the batteries for between eight and ten years, depending on the manufacturer.

The bad: While these batteries can be recharged hundreds of times, they may not be the best option for commuting long distances. “Nickle metal hydride is really only going to take a vehicle 35-40 miles, and that’s just not efficient in the long run,” says Peter Fannon, vice president of Government and Corporate Affairs for Panasonic

The bin: According to HybridCars.com, Toyota and Honda say they recycle dead batteries and disposal will pose no toxic hazards. Toyota actually puts a phone number on each battery, and they pay a $200 “bounty” for each battery to ensure that it will be properly recycled.

Extra tidbit: Currently, manufacturers are using NiMH batteries for hybrids and electronics. But the industry is expected to shift toward lithium soon, creating a need for battery recycling technology for both types of batteries.

“The shift to lithium-ion – along with many companies investing in this technology – is clearly the next near-term goal to make that the norm for electric vehicles,” says Fannon.
 

Watches, hearing aid batteries and other tiny electrics

Techie term: Silver oxide or “button-cell” 

Most watch batteries are of the small, round “button-cell” type, also used as hearing aid batteries. These batteries are known for their size, long storage life and the ability to work well in low temperatures.

The good: Button cells are increasingly targeted for recycling because of the value of recoverable materials, their small size, and their easy handling relative to other battery types. Silver oxide batteries are typically shredded during the recycling process to recover the valuable heavy metals.

The bad: Don’t let the size fool you. These batteries are potent, containing mercury, silver, cadmium, lithium or other heavy metals as their main component.

The bin: Due to the fact that they aren’t rechargeable, Call2Recycle’s program does not cover these types of batteries. In many cases, a professional will replace these batteries, so ask the business if it will handle the battery recycling for you. If not, often times these batteries are accepted as part of household hazardous waste programs sponsored by your state or county.

Luton Mall to test Battery Recycling Initiative

The Retail Bulletin

The Mall Luton is set to become one of the first shopping centres in the UK to trial an end-of-life battery recycling scheme for shoppers.

Teaming up with battery manufacturer Varta and recycling provider BatteryBack, it will provide a collection point in the centre for visitors to dispose of their old batteries from the 1st February. The trial has been designed to coincide with the UK’s 1st February launch of the Batteries Directive, a new EU-wide ruling that imposes strict targets on the manufacturing, collection and recycling of batteries.

The Batteries Directive aims to cut down on the 600 million waste batteries that end up in landfill each year, and to help consumers play their part in Luton, an end-of-life battery collection point will be placed in The Mall shopping centre. To encourage take up of the scheme, which will be rolled out in Malls across the UK if successful, Varta will be providing free batteries to the first 1,000 people who visit the centre to recycle their old ones.

Every year, the average UK household disposes of more than 21 batteries as part of their general waste. This translates to over 22 tonnes of battery waste sent to landfill annually. With experts predicting that the UK will run out of landfill space in the next few years, increasing battery recycling rates is a crucial way of trying to reverse this trend.

Lavinia Holland, Marketing Manager at The Mall Luton says “The UK is lagging behind its European neighbours with regards to battery recycling. The key to improving recycling rates here is making sure households have easily accessible drop-off points, so that’s why we will be placing highly visible collection points throughout the centre. Our shoppers in Luton have always been very supportive of our recycling campaigns in the past, and I’m sure we will have the same success this time around.”

The batteries recycling trial forms part of The Mall’s EnviroMall initiative, a commitment to reducing the impact of its shopping centres on the environment. It comes on the back of the Come Home for Christmas campaign, which helped raise over £10,000 for the charity Missing People by recycling old mobile phones. The scheme is also being supported by BatteryBack, one of the largest suppliers of battery collection and recycling materials for the coming directive.