Batteries
What are batteries?
Batteries are part of our everyday life. We use them in games, cameras, remote controls and mobile phones and many, many other items.
The first rechargeable battery (one that can be used again and again) was invented in 1859 and was an early version of the modern car battery. However it wasn’t until nearly 100 years later (1950) that the first ‘small’ battery was invented, which by modern standards was not very small. Over recent years batteries have continued to get smaller and smaller whilst holding more and more power for longer.
Can it be recycled?
Yes! But there are many other better ways to deal with batteries - don’t use them at all! It would be much better to use electrical items that can be plugged into the main electrical supply – that way you don’t need to buy any batteries. If you have to use batteries, then use ones you can recharge so they can be used over and over again. Using rechargable batteries will save you money as you don’t need to buy new ones when they run out, but instead just charge them up and use them again, this means you will throw less batteries away. You could use high tech solar powered toys or wind up toys instead of ones needing a power supply. Even better would be to play games that don’t need batteries or electricity such as board games. This means you can have fun and help save the planet at the same time.
How are batteries recycled?
Different batteries have different chemicals and metals inside them. When they arrive at the special reprocessing factory they are put onto a conveyor belt and people will hand sort them into their different types. Most batteries can be recycled in the UK, but some still have to go to Europe.
The steel or plastic outer case of the battery is removed, so the metal containing inner parts can be processed. The valuable metals are removed either chemically by dissolving them in acids or by heating them in a furnace, the metals can then be used inside new batteries or even to make other electrical equipment such as washing machines or TV screens.
In February 2010 new battery recycling regulations said that:
- in 2011 we had to recycle 18% of our batteries
- in 2012 we have to recycle 25%
- in 2016 we have to recycle 45% (about 500 million batteries)
You can help us reach our target.
Check out how many batteries you can save with this battery recycling game?
Why should we recycle batteries?
Pollution
If you throw your batteries in the bin, they usually end up in a landfill site where they have to be carefully managed; otherwise the metals inside them can leak out and pollute the environment.
Resources and energy
If we don’t recycle our batteries, we can’t reuse the valuable metals such as zinc, lead and nickel from inside them. This means we would have to mine more rocks to get more metals and then transport them from countries thousands of miles away, such as Australia. This uses lots of energy and produces greenhouse gases such as C02 which contributes to climate change.
Where can they be recycled?
Most shops that sell large numbers of batteries will have a collection box somewhere. However, you can take them to all of the Devon Recycling Centres – click here for their locations. In some areas of Devon the council will collect batteries from your house as part of its recycling system – click here to see if batteries can be collected where you live
Did you know?
The average household uses 21 batteries each year. How many do you think you use?
We throw away 600 million batteries every year. That is enough to fill 110 jumbo jet planes!
It takes 50 times more energy to make a battery, than the energy the battery gives out!
