COLUMN: What to do with all those batteries?

     What to do with all those batteries?

     The holidays are over, and to the delight of some, batteries in our families’ flashy, noisy and often mind-numbing electronic devices are ebbing. Hopefully most of our devices are powered with rechargeable batteries, but even those have a lifespan that will one day come to an end. So what do we do with our batteries when they are depleted of energy?

     Batteries come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and internal compositions ranging from tiny button batteries in watches and mini flashlights to large heavy batteries that spark your vehicle to life. Many of these batteries contain heavy metals including lead, nickel-cadmium, and mercury. Although safe when used properly, these heavy metals can pose a hazard to the environment and human health when batteries are improperly disposed of.

     One of the most common types of batteries is the non-rechargeable alkaline (AA, AAA, C and D) that are common in flashlights, clocks, and many children’s toys. Luckily, in 1996, the “Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act” was passed that phased out the use of mercury in these batteries. They are now considered safe to dispose of with other household trash. However, a better alternative economically and environmentally is to purchase and use rechargeable batteries.

     Four common types of batteries that require recycling include: small round silver colored button batteries commonly found in watches, cameras, calculators, hearing aids, and other small electronic devices often containing mercury, silver, or lithium; non-automotive sealed lead acid batteries used as uninterruptible power supplies (ups); large lead acid vehicle batteries; and rechargeable batteries commonly used in cell phones, toys, and small electronic equipment.

     Finding locations to recycle your batteries is very important. Iowa Regional Collection Centers (RCC’s) are available to all Iowa residents and take many of the recyclable batteries listed. To find a center near you visit the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Environmental-Protection/Household-Hazardous-Mate... and click on the interactive map. In Jones County the RCC is located at the Jones County Transfer Station near Amber. Another option is to visit www.Call2Recycle.org and search for the nearest recycling locations. In addition, many Best Buy store locations recycle, at no charge, battery backups (ups), button, cellphone, laptop, and rechargeable batteries. In Iowa the law requires that retailers accept your old lead acid vehicle battery at the point of sale, when you purchase a new one.

     Make a difference in 2017 – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle!