Among all types of batteries, the alkaline battery is the most popular and is considered safe to be placed in homes and to be used in household devices and applications. A versatile battery type that can be used in a wide variety of applications, the alkaline battery provides you with long storage life, high energy density and is available at an affordable cost.
Being a primary battery, you need to dispose of an alkaline battery after a single-use, though rechargeable batteries are also available, and you can use them for a number of times.
Proper procedure and safety guidelines need to be followed in order to dispose of batteries as battery acid is dangerous and it might leak while you do it. Therefore, it is crucial for everyone to know how to dispose of alkaline batteries.
To make sure that you are aware of the procedure, this article is going to let you walk through the process of it.
Alkaline batteries
Batteries are designed and manufactured with a different mixture of chemicals, and some substances pose a threat when exposed to humans. Though alkaline batteries are considered the safest as it offers a balance between energy capacities, still, it needs to be taken care of properly as there are a few threats and vulnerabilities that are found in alkaline batteries.
The risk with alkaline battery
Alkaline batteries are available in different standard sizes, each having different variations and aspects. The risk includes battery leakage; it may occur due to leaving the batteries unused in a device for a long time. A battery leakage also poses a threat to the device it is being used in. Whatever it is, the leakage is hazardous and may cause skin irritation or problems in the eyes.
Besides that, the electrolyte is a corrosive chemical, and this can also cause corrosion in the case.
A non-rechargeable alkaline battery will burst if you attempt to recharge it. The same might happen with overcharging. Other than that, the alkaline battery can explode if taken near to fire.
Dispose of alkaline battery
The alkaline battery has become an essential component of our lives as it has the ability to power regular devices on the go. However, these batteries need to be replaced after they get completely discharged. There comes a compulsion to discard an alkaline battery.
Being widely used, alkaline battery chemistry offers a competitive advantage over other types of batteries as they are made environmentally friendly. The alkaline battery does not contain elements such as mercury, lead, or cadmium that may cause a threat to the ground and the environment.
Thus, alkaline batteries are safe to dispose of and do not require any special method or procedure. You can also put them away with household waste.
Alkaline batteries do not hold severe health or environmental risk, not only during use but also when disposing of them. It is one of the primary reasons why alkaline batteries are so popular.
When it comes to recyclability, alkaline batteries are recyclable, but it is not preferred as it may cost higher than going for a new battery. Nevertheless, you can check locally if there is any recycling plant in your area.
If you don’t like throwing batteries with your regular trash, the best thing you can do is to invest in rechargeable batteries and use them for a longer period of time.
Conclusion
Alkaline batteries are everywhere and are used in multiple applications in our routine life. Disposing of an alkaline battery is not a problem, and you can safely do it by placing it in a garbage can. When it comes to the risk, it can be reduced if you use the battery adequately. Keep it in a cool environment, do not overcharge, and do not mix it with other types of batteries.
Rest assured, alkaline batteries are safe, and there is no such threat when disposing of.