Why batteries should be disposed of in the trash
A Life / / December 19, 2019
What happens if the battery throw in the trash?
Batteries and accumulators, depending upon the type, contain elements such as lead, nickel, cadmium, lithium, and in rare cases - mercuryMercury in Batteries. Cadmium - one of the most toxic elements for a person adverselyCadmium and its adverse effects on human health affecting the operation of renal system, bone and liver. It is a carcinogen and can causeCadmium and cancer appearance cancer disease. Lead and mercury haveToxicity, mechanism and health effects of some heavy metals no less detrimental effect on the kidneys, liver, human bone tissue and the nervous system.
As long as the battery has served us faithfully, do not worry. The main thing - to observe the rules of operation. It becomes a slow-acting weapon, when placed in a landfill.
If you believe Greenpeace, then annuallyTips Daily in landfills alone Moscow is on the order millionov batteries 15, and the radius of environmental pollution is one square meter on each. When the battery or the battery fall on
landfill, During corrosion and fracture housing toxic substances penetrate directly into the soil and ground water, and then get the incinerator and to the atmosphere.What happens next - obviously. Spreading in soil, waters and air toxics appliedToxicity, mechanism and health effects of some heavy metals irreparable damage to all living things on the planet. Slow the growth of the plants ingested by animals and, of course, the man - along with water, food of animal and vegetable origin, and even from the air we inhale.
Batteries are different. Does it matter?
It is true, may be different. We will understand that what is meant by a battery. The word can be used in everyday life, but in a purely technical literature you will not find. Properly called a battery or accumulator battery, depending on its type.
Disposable batteries:
- alkali (alkaline);
- salt (zinc-carbon);
- lithium (lithium);
- silver oxide (oxygen-silver);
- air-zinc (zinc-air).
They are familiar to us and mizinchikovye penlight batteries that are used in television remote control, flashlight or wall clocks, as well as small round "pill", purchased mostly for wristwatches. Zinc-air batteries intended for hearing aids.
Rechargeable batteries (accumulators):
- Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd);
- Nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH);
- nickel-zinc (Ni-Zn);
- lithium-ion (Li-Ion);
- lead-acid (Pb).
Ni-Cd batteries, Ni-MH and Ni-Zn are used in many wireless appliances, e.g. lanterns, Digital cameras, radios and phones. Lithium-ion batteries can be found in mobile phones, laptops, radios, and other wireless devices. Lead-acid batteries equip automobiles and other vehicles, as well as their use as an emergency power source.
Batteries containing mercury, is prohibited in almost all countries of the world and are practically absent, so that most likely on any packaging from the battery or the battery you will see the mark "0% mercury» or «No mercury ». The same applies to the content of cadmium: the lack of it will notify you a similar mark "0% cadmium».
Of course, batteries are much longer, they all differ in composition and have different areas application, but one thing unites them - a struck-through container icon printed on the packaging or an outer shell.
Any batteries marked with this symbol must not be discarded, and it is necessary to take on the disposal.
Clear. Where can I take the used batteries and accumulators?
To know this, you can use interactive map with the addresses of items of reception of used batteries and accumulators. Suffice it to select your city and the type of trash that you want to pass on the disposal or recycling.
Many supermarkets and hypermarkets containers for the collection of used batteries, which also list view map. Online maps are updated periodically, so just in case, check the information by calling a specific reception point.
What if in my city there is no point of reception?
It is quite likely. But he who seeks will always find. If you actually burn the idea to help the environment, then be prepared to face some difficulties.
- Look for non-governmental organizations to protect the environment in your own city or become a member of the initiative on the equipment of the city collection point of used batteries. Perhaps you will find like-minded people.
- Collect used batteries and took them to reception points in neighboring cities, when you go on a business trip or vacation. Hardly you pluck kilograms, so the task is not so impossible.
- Transfer batteries or accumulators through relatives or friends who live in other cities.
- Try to reduce the purchase disposable batteries, preferring batteries with the ability to recharge.
Do not think that on the one thrown in the trash batteries will be nothing. The scale of landfills around the world make us think about how the air we breathe, the water we drink and what kind of food eat. If you do not start taking care of it now, the situation may become irreversible.
And you give and rechargeable batteries for recycling?
see also
- 10 principles of zero waste lifestyle for those who want to save the Earth →
- What can be done of the things that you are going to send in the trash? →
- The future of eco-friendly burial →