Written Statement

The world is getting more and more polluted every day. We know that Oil spills, littering, CO2 emissions, etc, all make the world a dirtier place. But, what most people don’t know is that common household batteries can be very hazardous also. One of the most used sources of energy, Batteries are becoming more and more popular; that being said, more and more batteries are being used, but not properly disposed of, which is causing the environment mass pollution and can potentially harm our health. The common alkaline or carbon-zinc battery doesn’t really pollute much, except for the heavy metals used to make the battery that might vaporize and pollute the air. But, rechargeable batteries, like Nickel Cadmium or Nickel Metal Hydride can be very harmful. These batteries can be very toxic, and pollute water sources and other resources, etc. Nickel Cadmium batteries can leach, and when leaching starts, Cadmium, an extremely toxic chemical element, can make its way towards streams and other water sources. Nickel is semi-toxic and much less dangerous than Cadmium, but is nonetheless still dangerous. Lithium Ion batteries, another form of Rechargeable batteries, don’t leach, and also don’t have toxic materials, but are prone to exploding or igniting. Lead Acid batteries, the most harmful of all, can not only explode or catch on fire, but leach Lead into water sources, which can be extremely dangerous. Even a small amount of lead can cause brain and kidney damage. To prevent this from further polluting our world, we must put more laws and regulations on how to dispose batteries. In the U.K., there have been recent laws that require stores that sell batteries to set up battery recycle centers, whether it be an actual center, or just a bin. These efforts help, A LOT! In the U.S., many states have stated that it is ILLEGAL to throw away Lead-Acid batteries in normal trash, as it is too dangerous and harmful to people. We can also make people more aware of buying rechargeable batteries, and when not usable, to recycle them, as they can leach Cadmium or Nickel, both of which can be toxic. Every year, more and more people are recycling Lead-Acid batteries, and it’s one of the most successful recycle programs. It’s laws and regulations that help make people more aware. You can help now, by informing friends, relatives, and family about Batteries! You can also help by gathering all your batteries, taking them to the Town Council building, and recycle them! Help the World be a cleaner place!