Tip #3 - Use Rechargeable Batteries
If you talk to most waste removal companies or landfill stations, you’ll find them telling you that you can go ahead and throw your batteries right in the trash. In fact, recent figures suggest that less than 1% of batteries in the U.S. are recycled once used.
Not too long ago batteries contained the element Mercury, which made batteries a hazardous waste product. Now days, Mercury has been mostly eliminated from batteries and now are seen as “safe” or “ok” to throw away. Think again! Batteries contain sulfuric acid and lead which, if not disposed of in a responsible manner, can cause damage to the environment. (Not to mention all of the metals and plastics that can be salvaged from the battery to be recycled and kept out of a landfill!)
So, what are your options here?
1) Before going out to buy new batteries for all of your battery needs, consider purchasing rechargeable ones in their place. Rechargeable batteries are designed to last a long while and can be recharged up to 1000 times. The initial cost of the rechargeable batteries with charger will run you a few extra dollars, but, they will ultimately save you money from buying new batteries and the cost of gas to get there.
2) At the very least, if you choose to opt out of rechargeable batteries, save your used batteries in a container and drop off at a location that will recycle them for you, like MOMs. MOMs collects batteries and ships them off to a company that strips the batteries of all the metals and plastics that can be recycled and then disposes of the remaining waste in a responsible manner.