Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This page may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I have recommended. There is no additional cost to you whatsoever.
Earth911 is honoring the 52 years of Earth Day with 52 Actions for the Earth. Each week via Earth Day 2023, we’ll share an motion you may take to invest in the Earth and make your individual life extra sustainable. The flip of the yr is a good time to maintain a few of these jobs round the home that we regularly postpone. This week, you may take motion for the Earth and clear some area at house by switching your batteries.
Action: Switch Your Batteries
Batteries
These days, practically all the pieces we personal incorporates a battery. From watch batteries to toys powered by single-use AA or AAA batteries to our rechargeable energy instruments, and naturally, our cars, there are plenty of totally different sorts of batteries in a house. What all of them have in widespread is that they’re dangerous for the surroundings and sometimes onerous to get rid of safely. Batteries comprise red list chemicals like cadmium, mercury, and lead. When individuals get rid of batteries in a landfill or incinerator, these chemical compounds will be launched into groundwater and the air.
Many states ban batteries from disposal within the rubbish. Many others don’t particularly regulate batteries, however batteries nonetheless meet their definition of hazardous waste. Even the place disposal is prohibited, recycling batteries will be difficult. The many various sorts of battery comprise totally different chemical compounds with totally different recycling processes and dealing with necessities. And neighborhood assets for recycling range extensively throughout the nation. As a outcome, practically each house has a stash of useless batteries. That pile of batteries simply retains rising whereas we look forward to a straightforward recycling resolution.
Recycle Batteries
This week, dig out that stash of outdated batteries and determine the best way to recycle every sort. Use Earth911’s home battery recycling guide to begin. Most of your outdated batteries will most likely be the outdated form of single-use battery, however even rechargeable batteries ultimately die and need to be recycled. Don’t neglect to gather and recycle the larger and extra uncommon batteries like rechargeable tool batteries whilst you’re at it.
To discover your nearest battery recycling location, use Earth911’s Recycling Locator or use the recycling search tool. If your native recycling choices are restricted, look into mail-in recycling applications. As you analysis your choices, make a remark of the forms of batteries you employ most.
Switch Your Batteries
Now that you’ve got a transparent concept of the forms of batteries you employ, you may take a couple of minutes to seek out extra sustainable alternate options. Most of your electronics most likely already use rechargeable batteries, however these days, you may even substitute disposable AA and AAA batteries with rechargeable options.
But you may need a inventory of disposables readily available. If you do, go forward and use them earlier than recycling them. As you employ up your present inventory of batteries, select extra sustainable ones to exchange them. If you need to go even additional, contemplate a portable solar energy system to recharge your units and your new batteries, and even switch your home to photo voltaic electrical energy.
