Batteries power everything from cell phones to laptops to toys and games. After use, batteries should be properly disposed of. Unfortunately this rarely happens as millions of batteries are simply tossed in the trash. These batteries end up in landfills and contribute to land, water, and air pollution. Mercury, cadmium, lithium, and lead are among the dangerous, poisonous, and corrosive materials used in each battery. As batteries corrode, the contaminants leak into the atmosphere, which in turn contaminates water in the ground and on the surface. As the water becomes contaminated with battery chemicals, thousands of marine plants and animals are harmed. Additionally, we could be ingesting this hazardous metals as we drink from tap water faucets.
Many problems can be avoided by properly disposing batteries. Rechargeable batteries should be recycled, however not all batteries can be recycled. Certain batteries contain toxic metals such as cadmium and lead. Recycling these ensures that all battery parts are correctly treated and do not end up in waterways or landfills. The common household batteries, alkaline batteries, can be thrown away in a regular trash can. However don’t forget to recycle the packaging!
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