Aug
15
Batteries are commonplace in the modern world, powering toys, watches, cell phones, laptop computers, automobiles, and many other devices. As with other disposable items, however, many people don’t stop to think about what happens to the battery after it’s thrown away. All batteries use chemical reactions to provide electricity, but there are many different formulas that can be used, each of which lends itself best to a different purpose. Some of these formulas contain hazardous chemicals that should not be disposed of in a landfill or incinerator with regular garbage. Improper disposal can result in contamination of the soil, water or air with toxic materials. It doesn’t take long to see why recycling batteries is very important.
While the acidic or alkaline components of batteries may be the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks on their hazards, the most serious threat to health and environment after the batteries are discarded comes from the heavy metals that some formulas contain, such as lead, nickel, and cadmium, which can leach into the ground if the batteries are sent to a landfill, resulting in long-term poisoning of the site’s soil with compounds that are seriously detrimental to the health of humans and other life. If incinerated, the batteries may create toxic fumes or ash that are likewise problematic.
Lead, in particular, is currently commonplace in automotive batteries and is, in any amount, harmful to human beings, especially children. Fortunately, lead-acid batteries are also the most commonly recycled type of battery, allowing the lead and other components to be reclaimed for further use and helping to keep poisonous lead out of landfills. Soil contaminated with lead is dangerous to play or work in and can produce contaminated crops if used for farming or gardening, so preventing this material from leaching into the ground is an important long-term concern for future generations. Some batteries may also contain mercury, another well known toxic metal. This is no longer as serious a concern as mercury-based batteries have been banned in many countries and manufacturers have sought alternate formulas to do away with mercury content, but it should be kept in mind since mercury is very dangerous if incinerated or allowed to leach into soil and groundwater.
Nickel and cadmium are often used together in rechargeable batteries; nickel is potentially harmful but cadmium is the more dangerous of the two substances; it is carcinogenic and is especially harmful to the kidneys and respiratory system. Rechargeable batteries are recyclable at the end of their lifespan, but participation in recycling programs for this type of battery still lags far behind lead-acid battery recycling. Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries lack cadmium and are therefore safer but are still potentially toxic due to the nickel and electrolyte they contain.
Modern alkaline batteries that do not have mercury added to them are less dangerous and generally not categorized as hazardous waste, although this has changed in some places. While they do not contain heavy metals such as lead or cadmium, the chemicals inside them can still be harmful if allowed to escape. Unfortunately, there is little reclaimable material for recycling this type of battery; the steel casings are the primary useful product left over in the spent cells. Due to these factors, recycling facilities for alkaline batteries are less prevalent than those for lead-acid and rechargeable ones.
Lead-acid batteries and rechargeable batteries should always be recycled for safer disposal and reclamation of any useful component materials, as these types generally pose a greater threat to health and environment. In some areas, recycling other battery types is also prudent. Recycling hazardous batteries not only allows part of their resources to be reclaimed, it also helps keep toxic chemicals out of landfills where they could poison the soil and groundwater. There is still a ways to go to reduce the amount of toxins let loose in the environment from discarded batteries, but recycling initiatives have been a step in the right direction.
More Information about Dangerous Waste Contaminants in Soil
Other resources about Recycling.
Aug
8
The majority of our products use plastic, but there are several different types of plastic. The recycling codes found on plastic are important when separating plastic for recycling. The recycling codes are used to label plastic by the type of resin made to produce the plastic of these goods and is symbolized by a number surrounded by arrows. The symbols on plastic are numbered 1-7, and each represents a different category of plastic. These numbers can normally be found at the bottom of an item.
The following gives a breakdown of each of the seven different recycling codes:
Number 1 plastics are also referred to as PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate) plastics. They are commonly found in single-use bottled beverages, peanut butter containers, sports drinks, beer, jelly, salad dressing containers and food trays for ovens. Number 1 plastics are used most often because they are inexpensive, lightweight and easy to recycle. They are part of most curbside recycling programs. This type of plastic is often recycled into fiber for carpet, tote bags, fleece jackets and comforter fill. It is also used to make containers for different foods and beverages.
Number 2 plastics are HDPE (high density polyethylene). This type of plastic is used for items like milk jugs, household cleaner bottles, shampoo bottles, motor oil bottles, butter tubs, cereal box liners and some trash and shopping bags. Number 2 plastic is versatile and is often used for packaging. This type of plastic is picked up through most curbside recycling programs, although some only allow containers with necks. Some common uses for number 2 recycled plastic are pens, detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, outdoor decking, buckets, pipe, floor tile, lumber, picnic tables, and fencing.
Number 3 plastics are also labeled V (Vinyl) or PVC. They are commonly used for household cleaning bottles, clear food packaging, shampoo bottles, medical equipment, windows, carpet backing, piping, and siding. Number 3 plastic is tough and weathers well. PVC contains chlorine and can release toxins if used incorrectly. This type of plastic is rarely recycled, but it is accepted by some plastic lumber makers. It can be recycled into paneling, decks, flooring, electrical boxes, traffic cones, speed bumps, mats, mud flaps and cables.
Number 4 plastics represent LDPE (low density polyethylene). They are most often used for squeezable bottles, shopping bags, container lids, toys, clothing, furniture, carpet and tote bags. Number 4 plastic is flexible and can be used in many applications, but it is not often accepted by most curbside recycling programs. Plastic shopping bags can be returned to stores for recycling. This type of plastic is often recycled into shipping envelopes, lumber, floor tile, trash can liners, compost bins and paneling.
Number 5 plastic is also referred to as PP (polypropylene). It is commonly found in syrup bottles, yogurt containers, caps, medicine bottles, straws and ketchup bottles. This type of plastic has a high melting point, so it is often chosen for containers that hold hot liquid. Some curbside programs accept number 5 plastics. It is typically recycled into brooms, signal lights, brushes, ice scrapers, oil funnels, trays, bicycle racks, pallets and rakes.
Number 6 plastics are also labeled PS (polystyrene). This type of plastic is often used for disposable plates and cups, egg cartons, packing peanuts, coat hangers, toys, medical products, CD cases and carry-out containers. Number 6 plastic can be made into foam products commonly known as Styrofoam. It is accepted by some curbside programs, but it is very difficult to recycle. This type of plastic is often recycled into insulation, egg cartons, rulers, light switch plates, and carry-out containers.
Number 7 plastics represent any plastic resin that doesn’t fit into the other plastic categories. It is commonly found in five-gallon water bottles, sunglasses, DVDs, signs, nylon, and computer cases. It is typically not picked up by most curbside programs. It can be recycled into bottles, plastic lumber and some custom-made products.
For more information about recycling in Nashville, visit http://earthsavers.org
