Thinking of giving old batteries a new life may seem like a clever and environmentally friendly move, especially at a time when reusing and recycling are highly encouraged everywhere. A part of the population thinks that when a battery is no longer able to power a phone, a toy, or a remote, it is becoming neutral. However, this assumption may be quite dangerous.Once in a while, old batteries still have some energy left and are packed with some chemicals that can cause fires, leaks, or even serious health risks if they are not handled in the right way.Batteries need the right cable between the two terminals to be able to discharge. Somehow, the short circuit can cause high heat, and the batteries can go on fire or explode. The heat generated can chemically break the battery cells and cause the release of dangerous gases.Battery-powered devices will not work correctly in a short-circuit situation. The short circuit is risky, but the worst is that in the same process, the battery’s liquid is broken, and highly toxic and polluting gases are leaked.Many creative DIYs are circulating on the net, and some of them may in fact be safe and even useful. However, many don’t understand that these can be extremely dangerous if they don’t follow the instructions or take the necessary precautions.Short circuits, toxic gases, acids, and heavy metals are only some of the things which can hurt people and the environment when batteries’ life is over. It is always better to be safe than sorry, and the best thing is to recycle your batteries in a proper recycling centre.
Why old batteries are still dangerous
It is hardly ever the case that a battery which looks like it is dead is actually completely empty. The majority of batteries keep some amount of electrical charge. When the positive and negative terminals are bridged by a metal object such as a coin, staple, or key, a circuit can be completed. Rapid heating can occur in this situation, and thus, in some cases, fires can be initiated. Any small battery, for instance, a button cell, is more dangerous than you think, as it is very easy to overlook and store without proper care.
Fire risks from improper storage
Old batteries kept in drawers, toolboxes, or storage boxes can be dangerous. If batteries come into contact with conductive materials, they can short circuit. The danger gets higher in hot places, where heat can increase rapidly. Fires at home caused by throwing away batteries have become more frequent than what most people think. Keeping batteries in an unprotected way can change a regular drawer into a very dangerous fire hazard.
Toxic chemicals inside batteries
Batteries are a potential source of various harmful materials, and the exact list depends on the type of battery. Some of the substances may be lead, mercury, cadmium, cobalt, nickel, and acids that are corrosive. Gradually, batteries kept for a long time can become rusty, and their chemicals may leak. If the area is exposed, the poisons may pollute the surfaces, the earth, and the water. In residential areas, battery leaks can rot the furniture and make the indoor air unhealthy, particularly for children and pets, thus causing them to get sick.
How to store old batteries safely
It is necessary to store the batteries safely for a short period if you cannot recycle them at once. Put every battery in a separate plastic bag or wrap the terminals with some pieces of electrical tape. This stops the terminals from contacting other things and creating a circuit. Keep them in a cool and dry place away from any combustible materials until their proper disposal.
Which batteries can go in the bin
Some single-use batteries, like alkaline AA, AAA, and 9-volt batteries, can in most places be thrown into household waste without resulting in a hazard. However, the situation regarding rechargeable batteries is different. Numerous rechargeable batteries have nickel, cadmium or lithium compounds and therefore should be kept away from general waste at all times.
Batteries that require special recycling
Small scale batteries like button cells, and bigger ones such as rechargeable batteries, lithium ion packs, and car batteries made of lead acid should be taken to hazardous waste or specialist recycling facilities. When the batteries are thrown into the bins, the chemicals inside can seep into landfill sites and pollute the groundwater. Such contamination may later get into rivers, seas, animals and even people via the food chain.
Why proper recycling is the best choice
It is better for the environment and safer to recycle batteries than to repurpose them at home. Most of the metal parts in batteries are valuable and are recycled most of the time. When you get rid of batteries in the right way, you contribute to lessening pollution, stopping fire outbreaks, and facilitating the return of useful materials. Eventually, recycling done by professionals is using the old batteries in a way that is far beyond the capacity of any home project.