The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) reports that Americans buy up to 3 billion dry-cell batteries (the battery type found in power tools) a year, and each American throws away an average of eight dry cell batteries a year. Throwing dry cell batteries in the garbage results in serious contamination of the surrounding soil, air and water. Recycling batteries not only keeps dangerous heavy metals from leaching into the environment, but also allows many battery materials to be reused.
Power Tool Batteries
All batteries lose their charge after periods of prolonged use, and power tool batteries are no exception. Power tools batteries aredry cell batteries, made mostly of alkaline and carbon zinc (9-volt, D, C, AA, AAA), mercuric-oxide (button, some cylindrical and rectangular), silver-oxide and zinc-air (button), and lithium (9-volt, C, AA, coin, button, rechargeable). Most power tool batteries are referred to as nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) and lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries.
What To Do With Batteries for Power ToolInstead of throwing your Power Tool Battery in the garbage, recycling offers an alternative that not only benefits the environment but perhaps your wallet as well. For example, in October 2009, power tool manufacturer DeWalt offered a $10 discount on new batteries in exchange for old batteries at DeWalt service centers. Check with other manufacturers for similar offers.
Battery Recycling ProgramsOrganizations like The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) and manufactures like DeWalt and AAA have spearheaded nationwide battery recycling campaigns. RBRC is a non-profit public service organization that runs Call2Recycle, “the only free rechargeable battery and cell phone collection program in North America.” In 2008 alone, Call2Recycle collected over 6 million pounds of rechargeable batteries. While April is official National Power Tool Battery Recycling Month, you can recycle your power tools batteries year-round.
Recyclable BatteriesAs long as your power tool battery bears a RBRC (Rechargable Battery Recycling Corp) seal, it can be recycled, and there are now over 30,000 battery drop-off locations nationwide. Check the RBRC website for a drop-off location near you. The RBRC “Call2Recycle” program also offers special accommodations for business and other organizations interested in large-scale battery recycling. Visit the RBRC Call2Recycle website listed in Resources for more information.
Reduce Battery WasteINFORM, a public health organization, suggests the following considerations for battery waste. One option for consuming fewer battery-based products is buying electric tools. When buying battery-based tools, look for tools with less hazardous materials, such as zinc instead of mercury. Be sure to dispose off all Power Tool Battery properly. Ni-cad batteries are considered hazardous waste and should be handled with caution. Never tamper with battery casings as acids may burn skin or eyes. Follow your state laws regarding battery disposal and encourage battery responsibility in your home and workplace.
Power Tool Batteries
All batteries lose their charge after periods of prolonged use, and power tool batteries are no exception. Power tools batteries aredry cell batteries, made mostly of alkaline and carbon zinc (9-volt, D, C, AA, AAA), mercuric-oxide (button, some cylindrical and rectangular), silver-oxide and zinc-air (button), and lithium (9-volt, C, AA, coin, button, rechargeable). Most power tool batteries are referred to as nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) and lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries.
What To Do With Batteries for Power ToolInstead of throwing your Power Tool Battery in the garbage, recycling offers an alternative that not only benefits the environment but perhaps your wallet as well. For example, in October 2009, power tool manufacturer DeWalt offered a $10 discount on new batteries in exchange for old batteries at DeWalt service centers. Check with other manufacturers for similar offers.
Battery Recycling ProgramsOrganizations like The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) and manufactures like DeWalt and AAA have spearheaded nationwide battery recycling campaigns. RBRC is a non-profit public service organization that runs Call2Recycle, “the only free rechargeable battery and cell phone collection program in North America.” In 2008 alone, Call2Recycle collected over 6 million pounds of rechargeable batteries. While April is official National Power Tool Battery Recycling Month, you can recycle your power tools batteries year-round.
Recyclable BatteriesAs long as your power tool battery bears a RBRC (Rechargable Battery Recycling Corp) seal, it can be recycled, and there are now over 30,000 battery drop-off locations nationwide. Check the RBRC website for a drop-off location near you. The RBRC “Call2Recycle” program also offers special accommodations for business and other organizations interested in large-scale battery recycling. Visit the RBRC Call2Recycle website listed in Resources for more information.
Reduce Battery WasteINFORM, a public health organization, suggests the following considerations for battery waste. One option for consuming fewer battery-based products is buying electric tools. When buying battery-based tools, look for tools with less hazardous materials, such as zinc instead of mercury. Be sure to dispose off all Power Tool Battery properly. Ni-cad batteries are considered hazardous waste and should be handled with caution. Never tamper with battery casings as acids may burn skin or eyes. Follow your state laws regarding battery disposal and encourage battery responsibility in your home and workplace.
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