The Dangers of Trashing Old Batteries

The toxic level of American landfills has become a great concern for many of us, and this is why I want to let you know about the dangers of trashing old batteries. Reducing the toxic waste level in our landfills can start by recycling batteries instead of trashing them.

We are disposing of about 84,000 to 90,000 tons of alkaline batteries a year. They come from all the toys, flash lights, electronic games, portable TVs, radios and everywhere else that AA, AAA, C and D batteries can be used.

When they die, we automatically thrash them, then go out to purchase more, without realizing that the protective covering on these batteries can be damaged in the landfills and leak toxic materials like lead and mercury. These toxic materials can seep into the ground and could become a potential hazard to our ground water.

The concern for toxic waste in our landfills has become such a great issue within the last decade that not only are most consumers concerned, but the politicians have also recognized this problem. And this problem is growing, and should not be added to, especially since there are ways to dispose of old batteries that would eliminate them being dumped into a landfill.

If you have not admitted that the items you are discarding could be a problem in your landfill, then you need to realize that everything from paint to old household cleaners present a problem. It isn't just old batteries, but anything that can be described as toxic in your home, can present the same problems in your landfill.

To help with the problem, do something very simple. Start buying rechargeable batteries. Second, make sure the old battery you are throwing away isn't a rechargeable battery. If it isn't, then there is a simple solution. Check your directory for listings of places that recycle alkaline batteries.

If you can't find a listing for one, then check for a listing of your nearest Batteries Plus Store, or go online and find a location that is close to you http://www.batteriesplus.com/ They are nice, friendly and very helpful. Just go in and give them your old batteries, and while you're there, why not go ahead and purchase your rechargeable batteries.

The reason I've suggested rechargeable batteries is because of their life span. These batteries can be recharged up to a thousand times before you have to replace them. That equates to years of use before they die, and less old batteries in the landfills.

One rechargeable battery equals about 300 of your old alkaline batteries, so instead of adding to the billions of tons of solid waste we produce, some of which is toxic, why not change one simple thing in your life, and replace your alkaline batteries with rechargeable batteries.

And if you do purchase alkaline batteries, when they die, please just recycle them. This may prevent all their toxic contents from seeping into ground water that is being used for drinking.