With technology on the rise, batteries have become a staple of everyday life. It is estimated that 15 billion primary batteries are thrown away and sent to landfill each year worldwide.*
Batteries contain heavy metals such as lead, zinc and mercury, which are considered hazardous to the environment when improperly disposed of. That’s why it’s more important than ever to recycle batteries.
So, what are the benefits of recycling spent batteries?
Benefit #1 Reducing Waste Sent to Landfill
Despite most types of batteries being recyclable, it is a common habit to throw away your unwanted batteries without thinking about where they will end up. By recycling used batteries you can help to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. Organisations such as Planet Ark in Australia are set to improve battery recycling rates. They are introducing free battery collection schemes for retailers including Aldi and Battery World.** Canada is also showing a proactive stance toward battery recycling with over 1,200 collection sites under the Call2Recycling program.***
Benefit #2 Preventing Pollution
Due to the heavy metal content, discharged batteries sent to landfill can corrode, releasing toxins into the air and land. These toxins can be harmful for the environment, highlighting the importance of battery recycling in order to prevent water, land and air pollution.
Benefit #3 Conserving Natural Resources
There is a finite amount of natural resources so it is our duty to protect these natural resources from further depletion. Batteries are produced from natural resources of metal elements such as lead, lithium, nickel and other rare earth elements. Scientific research claims that recycling batteries can save 51.3 per cent in natural resources. This means that recycling batteries will contribute towards conserving our natural resources, saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Benefit #4 Producing New Products
Give used batteries a new lease of life by recycling them. Recycled batteries can be re-purposed to create new batteries or other appliances. Although they may seem small, some components of batteries can be used by the steel industry to create an array of products, such as new cars.
Benefit #5 Generating New Jobs
By committing to recycling you are helping to create new jobs in the recycling and manufacturing industries. The EU Commission aims to recycle 70 per cent of all household waste and 80 per cent of packaging waste by the end of 2030, which is said to generate 580,000 jobs across Europe.**** Unlike landfill sites, recycling factories will always need a large work force to oversee the recycling process.
Benefit #6 Take Charge and Think Positive
It is never too late to turn a negative into a positive and make the first step to recycling your unwanted batteries. Glasdon supply a selection of battery recycling bins, designed to contribute to the battery recycling effort. Which could be used as battery collection points for supermarkets, schools and workplace environments.
Learn more about our recycling bins for batteries and start doing your part to create a sustainable environment with just one small battery at a time!
Sources:
*https://www.mpoweruk.com/recycling.htm
**https://ecoactiv.com.au/awre-battery-recycling/
***https://www.call2recycle.ca/bcrdnocal/
****https://www.miltek.co.uk/news/eu-recycling-can-create-580-000-new-jobs?PID=9574&M=NewsV2&Action=1%C2%A4tPage=2
