6 Benefits of Recycling Batteries
A while back we posted an article explaining some of the reasons why everyone should recycle batteries and talked about how, unfortunately, a large number of people are simply not aware of the importance of recycling old used batteries.
To create more awareness around this ever-relevant topic, we’ve decided to give you 6 quick-fire benefits of recycling your waste batteries. Read on to find out more.
1. Batteries contain harmful chemicals
This is perhaps the most important reason why we should seriously consider recycling our used batteries. Batteries are made up of harmful chemicals that can be hazardous to human health, particularly when left around the house as some of these chemicals can linger in the air you breathe! The acids and heavy metals used in batteries also means that if they leak into soil as a result of being disposed of in landfill, the toxins can destroy wildlife and pollute water sources.
2. Recover non-renewable materials
The production of batteries involves raw materials being mined, processed, turned into batteries and then into waste. These materials include the lead, nickel, steel, zinc, mercury, cobalt, lithium, and silver, to name a few – and although they aren’t renewable, they are infinitely recyclable – and by not properly recycling them it makes these materials no longer available for use and therefore negatively impacting the economy.
3. Reduce cost of new batteries
Following from the previous point, by recycling our waste batteries and recovering & re-using the materials, we can then directly ensure that they are used for forward manufacturing, which helps to reduce production costs and ensures that competitively priced products are available for purchase.
4. Reduce risk of fire & explosion
Relative to the vast numbers of batteries in use, battery explosions and fires are relatively rare. However, they can occur and fires in waste facilities can be very hard to extinguish.
Some types of batteries are more likely to cause fires than others, but all batteries need to be treated with respect, especially if they are damaged or exposed to heat and proper storage and handling can minimise the fire and explosion risk.
5. Reduce costs to local councils
Like any recycling, battery recycling helps to minimise waste operation, which is funded by Council Tax that householders pay.
6. Batteries are easy to recycle
Now more than ever, batteries are easy to dispose of and recycle. Do you know where your nearest battery recycling point is? Does your local Council collect waste batteries at kerbside?
There are many places that offer battery collection points, such as retailers and even your local supermarket. All you need to do is remember to take your portable waste batteries with you when you go shopping or visit a public space.
Batteries are easy to recycle when disposed of appropriately but remember that it also begins with proper storage.
W&S Recycling specialises in aluminium in both our Dorset and Oxfordshire depots where we help the recycling process by sorting and baling the metal before its processed. We offer a mixed can collection service across Dorset as well as deliveries to our sites in Poole, Bournemouth and Oxford. To learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact us today on 01202 675564.
Recent Posts
