Recycling Batteries
by Angela On May 7, 2010
Batteries are one of the most common things I see in people’s homes as we are getting their spaces organized. In many cases we will fill up a small zip top baggie full of old batteries. So here is where the debate begins. Are you supposed to recycle old batteries or can you simply toss them in the trash? I have always just tossed old batteries in the trash but about two years ago another Professional Organizer told me you were supposed to recycle them. I felt so guilty for all those years I had been polluting our environment! But I keep hearing different things from different people, so it’s time to get to the bottom of this!
According to Duracell Battery “It is important not to dispose of large amounts of alkaline batteries in a group. Used batteries are often not completely “dead.” Grouping used batteries together can bring these “live” batteries into contact with one another, creating safety risks. “
So if you are just tossing out one or two batteries it’s technically safe to throw them in the trash, but if you are tossing out large quantities you should recycle them.
Many battery stores like Batteries Plus offer battery recycling for many different types of batteries including cell phones, laptops, cordless tools, and more. There is also a company called Battery Solutions that sells boxes that you can fill with all different types of batteries. Once the box is full you ship it to the company at no additional cost to you. This is perfect for a corporate environment or a place that is using a high volume of batteries per year.
Be sure to designate a specific container for collecting the batteries that way they do not end up scattered around the house or even worse mixed with the good batteries. Keep the container in your laundry room, utility room, or garage.
Do you recycle your batteries or toss them out?
Happy recycling!
Angela
Copyright (C) 2010 Angela Ploetz, POSH Space www.theposhspace.com.
Recycling is very very important in order to preserve mother earth.*:;