Battery Recycling Help Your Environment
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Society -> subcategory Other.
Battery Recycling: Help Protect Our Environment
Overview
Batteries contain metals and chemicals like nickel cadmium, alkaline, mercury, nickel metal hydride, and lead acid, which can harm the environment if not properly disposed of. Improper disposal, such as in landfills, can lead to toxic substances like cadmium seeping into water supplies, posing severe health risks. Therefore, recycling batteries is crucial to prevent pollution and conserve resources.
The Recycling Process
Batteries are first sorted by chemistry, including nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, lithium, and alkaline. Combustible materials like plastics and insulation are removed using a thermal oxidizer. The gases produced are neutralized to ensure clean processing, leaving behind cells with valuable metal content.
Next, the batteries are broken into small pieces and heated until liquefied. Burnt non-metallic residue is removed, and alloys are separated by weight. Some facilities pour the liquid metals into containers for shipment to metal recovery plants, where they are reused to make new products.
U.S. State and Federal Regulations
The Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act, passed in 1996, mandates that certain batteries, like Ni-Cd and sealed lead-acid, must:
1. Be easily removable for recycling.
2. Be labeled with their chemistry, recycling symbols, and proper disposal instructions.
3. Follow uniform collection, storage, and transport standards nationally.
4. Phase out certain mercury-containing batteries.
The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC)
Established in 1994, the RBRC is a non-profit dedicated to promoting the recycling of portable rechargeable batteries like Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium Ion (Li-ion), and Small Sealed Lead. It educates consumers on the benefits and availability of battery recycling. The RBRC recycles only those batteries with its Battery Recycling Seal. Manufacturers and collectors can contact the RBRC for solutions at licensee@rbrc.com.
Contact Information:
- RBRC
1000 Parkwood Circle, Suite 450
Atlanta, GA 30339
Phone: 678-419-9990
Fax: 678-419-9986
Recent Developments
Efforts to reduce mercury in batteries have been ongoing since 1984. Alkaline batteries now have about a 97% reduction in mercury, with newer models containing minimal or zero-added mercury. Mercury-free alternatives like carbon-zinc batteries are now available. Technologies such as silver-oxide and zinc-air are beginning to replace mercuric-oxide batteries, while research continues into nickel-hydride systems. Changes in regulations are making the recycling of nickel-cadmium batteries more accessible.
By recycling batteries, we not only mitigate environmental harm but also promote the sustainable use of resources. Let's make a conscious effort to dispose of batteries responsibly and protect our planet.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Battery Recycling Help Your Environment.
You can browse and read all the articles for free. If you want to use them and get PLR and MRR rights, you need to buy the pack. Learn more about this pack of over 100 000 MRR and PLR articles.