Green Battery Choices
by LeRoy Harvey, Recycling Coordinator, Meridian Township

The average American uses six cordless, battery-powered products a day.  With a bit of common sense, we can save money, help the environment, and save a LOT of energy.  Here are a few tips to consider:

1)     Unplug battery/appliance chargers when not in use
These little energy suckers use power even when they’re not recharging something.  Power strips make it easy and can also be used to turn off other appliances that use energy when they’re “off.”  If unchecked, these “vampire” loads typically account for more energy expense than when the appliance are turned on!

 

2)     Use rechargeable batteries
Rechargeable batteries have improved substantially over the last few years.  When used properly, some can be recharged 1000 times or more.  Keep extra sets of batteries on hand to provide the convenience of the more common household batteries… and unplug your charger when not in use.  This will save money and extend the life of your charger!  Depending on the product, follow instructions for initial battery charging times (usually overnight) before using the product for the first time.

 

3)     Use hand-powered, solar-powered, or plug-in equipment
Because of the amount of energy that goes in to making (and recycling) batteries, it’s far more efficient to use hand-powered or even plug-in equipment and appliances than batteries.  When you must buy a battery-powered item, avoid extra bells and whistles, opt for efficiency, and choose one that can be plugged in when possible.

 

4)     Pre-Cycle
Check if you have the batteries before buying more.  Batteries lose life with age so use the ones you have before buying more.  Buy batteries as you need them.  Some chargers can test battery strength, helping you determine when to recharge, dispose of, or recycle your batteries. 

 

5)     Extend Battery Life
Follow charging guidelines provided by manufacturers of rechargeable batteries.  If you’re unsure, it’s often better to fully discharge batteries, and let them cool before recharging.   Do not mix battery types or new batteries with old ones; one used battery can prevent a device from working even if the other batteries are fresh.  Remove batteries and plug it in if you can.  Also remove batteries from equipment that will be stored.  Store batteries in a cool, dry place.  Clean the contact surfaces when installing your batteries so power will not be wasted.  

 

6)     Dispose of Traditional Batteries in the Trash
Most newer household batteries (except rechargeables and pre-1993) can be safely disposed of in your household trash.  While technically feasible, the net economic and environmental benefits of recycling traditional alkaline and zinc oxide batteries are not justified. 

 

7)     Recycle Rechargeable Batteries (automotive, camera, phone, tool, etc.) 
Many locations are available in the tri-county area to recycle batteries.  Several websites allow on-line search functions such as www.rbrc.org and http://earth911.org.  Meridian Township also has a list of battery drop off location on its website at www.meridian.mi.us.

 

Here are a few other websites that are helpful

 

Please contact me with your comments, questions, and suggestions for future recycling-related stories at harvey@meridian.mi.us or (517) 853-4466.

 

Draft:  6-23-08