Batteries
In this section |
What is it?
A battery does not store electricity as such; it is actually a mobile chemical reaction that releases power when a connection is made. The connection is the ‘on’ switch on your gadget.
Batteries are incredibly useful and are much more efficient than they used to be, however they still take a lot more energy to produce than the power they give out.
The three main types of battery are;
Wet cell battery
What are these? – These types of batteries are used for cars, lorries and larger batteries for industry.
Dry Cell battery (primary cells)
What are these? – These types of batteries are general household non rechargeable batteries.
Dry cell battery (secondary cells)
What are these? – These types of batteries are rechargeable and include mobile phone or rechargeable household batteries.
Historically, batteries contained various rare or toxic metals to make them work, such as zinc, lithium, lead, nickel, cadmium and mercury. In 2008, the EU Batteries Directive was introduced which put limits on the amounts of certain metals allowed in new batteries.
Can they be recycled?
Yes they can!
Until recently, it was estimated that less than 3% of dry cell batteries were recycled. This was mainly due to their size; being more convenient to throw away than collect them for recycling.
Wet cell batteries however have an impressive recycling record with around 90% being recycled.
Since the Batteries Directive was introduced, the number of batteries recycled has increased significantly. This is because;
1) From 2010, any company that makes batteries must contribute towards the costs of recycling them.
2) Any company selling batteries must provide a collection point for them.
Because of this legislation, by 2012 we will be recycling 25% of batteries sold and by 2016 this will increase to 45%.
For wet cell batteries, it is now illegal to send any battery to landfill or incineration!
Where can I recycle them?
Practically everywhere!
Most shops and supermarkets selling new batteries will also have a place to recycle them. Some Devon Councils also collect dry cell batteries from our houses, and all Recycling Centres have places to recycle dry and wet cell batteries.
However, before we rush off to buy our new batteries, we may be able to reduce or reuse them?
Reduce
How? – Do we really need musical greetings cards? Try to avoid things that use primary batteries such as disposable cameras or battery powered non essentials.
Reuse
How? – Effective secondary batteries are now very common. Why not start with rechargeable bike lights?
This website is intended to provide a broad introduction to waste management in Devon, if it doesn’t answer all your waste questions, please contact us via the ‘Ask a question’ page on this site and we will do our best to answer it.
