3/21/2023 0 Comments Triple a batteries![]() Many places that call for putting AA batteries in the trash say it’s reasonable because they no longer contain mercury following a 1996 law. Some retailers like Home Depot say you may toss alkaline batteries in with ordinary trash. Houston, Texas, says it’s okay to put batteries in the trash. Austin, Texas cautions that batteries should never be thrown in dumpsters or curbside trash. Major metropolitan areas within a couple hours of each other can have dramatically different policies. Others places like Chicago refuse to take alkaline batteries at recycling facilities.Įmployees sort batteries moving along a conveyor belt at a recycling facility. “Tossing a handful of batteries in the trash may not seem like a big deal, it adds up: around 180,000 tons of batteries are discarded in the U.S. Seattle residents are encouraged to take their AA batteries to hazardous waste facilities. ![]() The District of Columbia tells residents to drop off AA batteries for recycling at a designated location, but not in their recycling bins. But some local governments call for recycling AA batteries and have programs to do so. No other state also classifies batteries as hazardous waste. Residents are instructed to take AA and all batteries to hazardous waste disposal facilities. The state says they’re hazardous because of the metals, toxic and corrosive materials that batteries contain. Which doesn’t necessarily mean you can throw the batteries in your regular recycling bin.Ī huge exception to this is California, which classifies batteries as hazardous waste. But it recommends sending your alkaline batteries like AAs to a battery recycler. The Environmental Protection Agency acknowledges that in most communities batteries can be safely put in the trash. But alkaline batteries are not especially toxic compared to other battery types. Polluted water and crops can lead to diseases like cancer. ![]() With any battery there’s risk of chemicals leaching into soil, surface water and ground water. Former manganese miners and smelters have suffered permanent neurological damage. Manganese is an essential nutrient, but at high levels it can cause adverse health impacts. Energy is generated when the zinc and manganese interact. Typical alkaline batteries like AAs include steel, zinc, manganese, potassium and graphite, according to Energizer, which sells alkaline batteries. They even differ depending on where you live. Governments and battery makers don’t have consistent and clear policies for disposing of the alkaline batteries that power many of our small electric devices like remote controls, flashlights, clocks and toys. ![]() There’s no shortage of conflicting messages on what to do with your dead alkaline batteries, which include AA, AAA, C, D and 9-volt. There’s a good chance you aren’t disposing of your AA batteries properly. ![]()
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