Electrical appliances and machines have changed the lives of many people. Naturally, electrical appliances need electrical energy to function, but electrical energy may not always be available. Portable batteries are the best solution for using electrical appliances in case of a power shortage. Batteries have become extremely popular in the United States. The growing popularity, however, is accompanied by the problems of pollution and other hazards.
The chemical make up of batteries varies in that different batteries may contain heavy metals such as zinc and lead, which may pose significant environmental threats. Batteries, when disposed in an unsafe manner, may leak into the ground, cause corrosion of the soil, and pose problems for wildlife. Recycling batteries allows safe disposal of used batteries and prevents pollution.
Batteries are primarily classified into two basic categories, namely, chargeable batteries and non-chargeable batteries. Non-chargeable batteries cannot be recycled. Chargeable batteries, on the other hand, can be reused and recycled. Chargeable batteries consist of a large variety of materials that can be recycled to form raw materials for manufacturing industries. Common components in batteries are lead, nickel-cadmium, nickel hydride, and mercury. The batteries are first separated from plastics and insulation material using gas-fired thermal oxidizers. Batteries are then processed using heat treatment furnaces using large amounts of energy to create the end product.
The American government specifies certain rules and standard procedures to be followed for the purpose of recycling batteries. There is a large number of battery recycling centers all over the nation. The centers recycle batteries based on principles and standards specified by government authorities. The centers collect used batteries from American households and offer recharged batteries at a nominal cost. These centers also provide services for recycling rechargeable batteries that have reached the end of their usable life.
Battery recycling helps conserve the environment, saves natural resources, and reduces the need for landfills. A large number of websites on the Internet provide quality information about battery recycling.
Related Articles of Interest :
-
Glass Recycling
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
The environment is the sum of external conditions that affect the existence of living organisms such as animals, plants, and human beings. Any changes in the environment can affect the survival and behavior of all organisms that exist in the environment. The environment equilibrium undergoes...
-
Paper Recycling
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
The environment refers to the interaction of soil, air, climate, and topography with plants and animals in a given surrounding. The environment influences every living organism’s behavior and survival, be it animals, plants, or human beings. Any change in the environment causes changes in our...
-
Benefits Of Recycling
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Recycling is an evolving environmental conservation procedure. It has become one of the best environmental success stories of the century. Recycling converts materials that would otherwise be wasted into usable products. Recyclable materials such as plastics, glass, paper, and metal are collected and transported to...
-
Recycling Plastic
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
A large number of plastic containers and bags are used on a daily basis. Plastic waste is one of the biggest causes for increased water and soil pollution. Plastic recycling offers one of the best solutions to the increased plastic waste in the environment. Plastic...
-
Recycling Containers
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
The environment around us plays a key role in our lifestyle. Any changes in the environment may result in changes in our daily life. The environment is being subjected to large amounts of pollution, natural resource degradation, and uncontrollable population growth on a regular basis....
-
Battery Hazards
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
As batteries are energy storage devices, they are prone to make many threats to human life and safety. A short circuit is one of the common battery perils. The most important reason for short circuits is overcharging or over discharging. Other causes for cell short...
-
Battery Life
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
A battery’s life generally depends on various factors such as the type of the battery, the total usage, temperature, humidity and other environmental conditions. Other major factors that contribute to a battery’s life are how they are used, how they are recharged and discharged, how...
-
Cell Phone Battery Tips
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Cell phones have become a part of daily life. They are a necessity and come in handy when you’re on the run, on vacation or just out and about. In spite of all the advantages, cell phones are useless when the battery is dead. A...
-
Recycling Printer Cartridges
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Environmental awareness is spreading far and wide, and, hence, a lot of people are recycling consumer goods. With the increasing number of mobile phones, computer equipment, television sets, video cassette players, videocassettes, and other gadgetry, the risks involved with disposing them is also on the...
-
Cell Phone Battery Life
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Cell phones are available in a wide range of models and styles. Price ranges varying, making them affordable to practically everyone. Even the most basic models have certain unique features that depend on the manufacturer and make of the phone. More and more models have...