• Battery Safety & Disposal

  • Tips for Battery Care and Use:

    Duracell batteries are a reliable and important source of daily portable power. To ensure you get the most from your Duracell batteries, follow these general ‘DOs’ and ‘DON’T’ tips for proper battery use and storage:

    • DO – Use the correct size and type of battery specified by the manufacturer of your device.
    • DO – Store batteries, in their original packaging, in a dry place and at normal room temperature until ready to use.
    • DO – Replace all used batteries in your device at the same time. Insert batteries properly, with the plus (+) and minus (–) terminals aligned correctly. CAUTION: Some equipment using more than three batteries may appear to work properly even if one battery is inserted incorrectly.
    • DO – Keep all batteries in a safe place away from children and pets, particularly the smaller sized batteries.
    • DO – Where possible, recycle your batteries where communities offer recycling or collection programs. You can contact your local government for information about the disposal options in your area.
    • DO – Remove batteries from equipment while it is being powered by household (AC) current.
    • DON’T – Leave batteries in your device if you suspect it will not be used for several months. Many devices don’t power off completely when switched off and, after time, may cause the batteries inside to leak.
    • DON’T – Carry batteries loose in your pocket or purse as they may create a safety risk. They can be shorted by contact with metal objects and may leak, overheat or rupture.
    • DON’T – Mix old and new batteries, batteries of different brands, or batteries of different types (for example heavy duty zinc chloride batteries and alkaline batteries) in the same device as this may cause the batteries to leak.
    • DON’T – Attempt to recharge non-rechargeable batteries. This can cause your batteries to overheat or leak.
    • DON’T – Place your batteries in a refrigerator. This will not ‘recharge’ your batteries, increase storage life, or increase your batteries’ power.
    • DON’T – Dispose of large numbers of batteries at one time. Where there are collection programs for used batteries in your area, store used batteries in a non-metal container in a well ventilated area, do not mix the batteries with other items, and bring to the collection facility on a regular basis.
    • DON’T – Put batteries or battery-powered devices in very warm places. Extreme temperatures reduce battery performance and may also lead to leakage.
    • DON’T – Remove the battery label, or attempt to take the battery apart, or dispose of in a fire as this may lead to rupture and/or chemical burns.

    Disposing of All-Purpose & Alkaline Batteries

    Alkaline batteries can be safely disposed of with normal household waste. Never dispose of batteries in fire because they could explode. Due to concerns about mercury in the municipal solid waste stream, we have voluntarily eliminated all of the added mercury from our alkaline batteries since 1993, while maintaining the performance you demand. Our alkaline batteries are composed primarily of common metals—steel, zinc, and manganese—and do not pose a health or environmental risk during normal use or disposal.

    It is important not to dispose of large numbers of alkaline batteries in a group. Used batteries are often not completely dead. Grouping used batteries together can bring these live batteries into contact with one another, creating safety risks. Proven cost-effective and environmentally safe recycling processes are not yet universally available for alkaline batteries. Some communities offer recycling or collection of alkaline batteries—contact your local government for disposal practices in your area.

     

    Recycling Batteries with Other Chemistries

    Due to the chemicals in them, you should recycle rechargeable, lithium, lithium ion, and zinc air batteries. In addition to “traditional” rechargeable batteries like AAs or AAAs, rechargeable batteries like the ones found in everyday household items such as cameras, cell phones, laptops, and power tools should also be recycled. Look for the battery recycling seals on rechargeable batteries.

    Car batteries containing lead should be brought only to waste-management centers, where they can eventually be recycled. Because of the value of battery materials, many auto retailers and service centers will buy back your used car batteries for recycling. As part of our commitment to the preservation of the environment, we help fund the nonprofit Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) and its Call2Recycle® program. To find a rechargeable battery recycling location near you, visit www.call2recycle.org.

    Some retailers often collect batteries and electronics for recycling.

     

    Source:Duracell