Shivabeads

Alkaline battery disposal

Alkaline batteries used in household can be disposed along with normal household waste. They are classified as non-hazardous waste. They are not toxic when disposed in small numbers. Also mercury has been already removed from all alkaline batteries. Hence the battery disposal in the solid municipal waste stream does not pose any concern. Alkaline batteries are composed of metals like steel, zinc and manganese. They do not create environmental or health risk during normal use and disposal. However large amounts of alkaline batteries should not be disposed in a group. It may result in safety risk as the batteries are not completely dead. Also these batteries should not be fired.  Alkaline scrap batteries or the dry cell contains carbon, zinc etc. Hence if recycled properly it can be efficiently used in making low grade steel and zinc batteries. Some communities are now recycling alkaline batteries also. However a cost-effective and environmentally safe recycling process for alkaline batteries is not available universally.