Every Tuesday, Plum has a new tip on how to stay environmentally friendly.
Batteries are the modern man's best friend - and worst enemy. They make all our favorite gadgets work (remotes, toys, radios, etc), but they can also release harmful chemicals. This week, Earth Bytes gives you the scoop on batteries and how to dispose of them.
The facts
- The EPA estimates that Americans buy more than two billion alkaline and button batteries a year.
- Household batteries contain mercury, nickel, cadmium and other metals. These metals can eventually contaminate our water supply.
- Americans throw away nearly 180,000 tons of rechargeable and singe-use batteries every year.
- A single car battery contains anywhere from 18-21 pounds of lead and about 11 pounds of sulfuric acid.
What you can do
- Use rechargeable batteries instead of single use ones. One rechargeable battery can replace 300 single use batteries over the battery's lifetime.
- Recycle rechargeable batteries. They contain nickel and cadmium, which can seriously harm the environment.
- Recycle car batteries. In the U.S., an average car battery contains 60% – 80% recycled plastic and lead.
- Don't incinerate any battery. Heavy metals like mercury, lead, nickel and cadmium can vaporize or otherwise contaminate the soil through the battery ash.
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