Battery recycling gives old batteries a new life

Household batteries can leak heavy metals and sometimes overheat, creating environmental and safety risks; recycling sends them to centers that break down and recover materials. Experts and the EPA say registered drop-off sites and recycling help manage those risks.

Household batteries are often kept in drawers or thrown away when they die, but they can still affect the environment and safety. Dead batteries can leak heavy metals such as cadmium and nickel into soil and water. Some batteries can overheat and cause fires in garbage trucks and recycling centers. Collected batteries are shipped to recycling centers that break them down so materials can be reused. Key points: - Millions of household batteries are bought and used each year in the U.S., according to the Environmental Protection Agency. - Materials in batteries, including lithium and nickel, are mined and processed before becoming finished products; cobalt reserves are concentrated in places such as the Congo. - Dead batteries can leak heavy metals like cadmium and nickel and can pose fire risks during waste collection and at recycling facilities. - Alkaline and zinc-carbon cells (AA, AAA and similar) are generally single-use; the EPA still recommends recycling them so their materials can be recovered. - Experts quoted in the report, including the president of the National Waste and Recycling Association and university researchers, describe recycling as a way to reduce risks to people and the waste industry, while noting the recycling system could use further refinement. Summary: Recycling household batteries reduces environmental contamination and safety risks while allowing materials to be recovered and reused. Recycled units are sent to facilities that break down battery components, though processes could be improved and practices vary by battery type and location.