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BATTERIES

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Batteries

Batteries are a huge part of our everyday lives. There are many different types of batteries and numerous uses for them, but they all have one thing in common - they become unusable sooner or later.

What we do with spent batteries is vitally important because they contain contaminants - especially metals such as nickel, cadmium and mercury - that threaten our health and environment. These materials can enter waterways as leachate from landfills.

The potential hazards associated with contaminants from batteries is illustrated by this fact - just one gram of mercury can contaminate an eight-hectare lake. Mercury in water can accumulate in fish and enter the food chain. This is a big problem because mercury is easily absorbed through the skin, respiratory and gastrointestinal tissues. It can affect the brain, liver and kidneys, and cause developmental disorders in children. Young children and developing fetuses are at most risk.

Cadmium is also toxic to humans when inhaled or ingested. The potential health effects include respiratory tract and kidney and liver problems. Lithium reacts with water and can cause explosions and fires.

Batteries

Alkaline batteries refers to the most common form of AAA, AA, C, D and 9-volt batteries; until 1994, alkaline batteries contained mercury.

Rechargeable batteries refers to a wide range of batteries that can be recharged and used again. Types of rechargeable batteries include Nickel-Cadmium (NiCads), Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), Lithium Ion (li-on) and Small Sealed Lead (Pb).

Button batteries are the small, round, silver-coloured batteries used in watches and hearing aids.

Lithium batteries refers to AA, C, 9-volt and button batteries containing lithium; they are used in many portable electronic devices.

Fortunately, there are several convenient ways to keep spent batteries out of landfills.

Use Rechargeables

Using rechargeables should be your first choice when it comes to batteries.

Rechargeables offer a number of advantages. For one thing, they're less expensive than non-rechargeables because they can be used many times (how many depends on the use and type of battery).

Another great thing about rechargeables is that, when they are no longer usable, there are recycling programs to deal with them.

Safe Storage

Batteries - spent or still usable - should always be stored in a secure, dry place out of the reach of children and pets. Take special precaution with button batteries because their size makes them easy to swallow.

What to Do With Spent Batteries

The most important thing to remember is NEVER throw batteries - rechargeable or otherwise - in the garbage.

Alkaline and lithium batteries should be taken to your local household hazardous waste depot (contact your municipality).

Don't throw out button batteries, either. Many stores that sell watches or hearing aids will accept used button batteries.

Contact the Call2Recycle program when your rechargeable batteries are spent. As the name implies, Call2Recycle recycles these batteries ... and old cell phones, too! Call2Recycle is a collection program operated through select retail stores and municipal recycling programs. For more information about the program and the more than 1,000 drop-off locations in Ontario, call 1-877-2-RECYCLE or visit www.rbrc.org