Battery Recycling-Get Charged About It!

Don't throw those old batteries in the trash!These are made of nickel cadmium, which leak
Battery recycling is something that we can all doextremely dangerous substances into the
to protect the environment and ourselves.environment when they are disposed of
Battery recycling is such an important issue that inimproperly. The lithium battery that may be
1996, the United States Congress passed thepowering your laptop can also be recycled. It does
Battery Act, which details how manufacturers andnot harm the environment when disposed of, but
consumers can do a better job of disposing ofit does contain components that are easy to use
and reusing old batteries.in battery recycling.
What Will Happen If We Do Not Practice BatteryWhat Is The RBRC?
Recycling?The RBRC is the Rechargeable Battery Recycling
Old batteries pose several risks to theCorporation, which is a non-profit organization that
environment including:o Polluting lakes and streamsprovides information and services to companies
when they are burned and the metals vaporizeand individuals about recycling rechargeable
into the air.o Heavy metals that leach into the soilbatteries.
in landfills.o Lead that can potentially cause harmfulEducate Yourself About Battery Recycling!
conditions for humans and animals.o Acids can leakAs a result of the Battery Act, manufacturers
out that are corrosive and can burn eyes andare required to label all batteries with information
skin.about proper disposal and also recycling
What Does Battery Recycling Entail?information. Many companies, such as cell phone
When you buy a new battery, most likely thecompanies even offer disposal and recycling
place where you buy it will have a place toinformation on their sites and may offer special
dispose of your old battery, and you may also beincentives to customers who utilize their battery
charged a small fee for recycling. If not, then yourecycling programs. You can also check your
can contact your city or town's municipal wastecommunity resources online or by calling your local
department and find out if they have a programwaste department.
for recycling. If neither of these is an option, youThe government has given us the opportunity to
can go online to find the nearest recycling centerdo something very simple, yet very important for
that takes batteries.our environment. Our responsibility as citizens of
Recycle This!the planet Earth is to take those steps which we
The government has set up a battery recyclingcan to protect it for ourselves and for the future.
system for car batteries because they contain aIt is not just about paper, plastic, and aluminum
large amount of both acid and lead. Rechargeablecans any more, it is about safety and life.
batteries also have a battery recycling option.