So many of our toys and tools run on batteries these days,
and sometimes we are able to use rechargeable.
Here is a useful site with information about rechargeables
:
http://www.batterylogic.co.uk/
However, even if we are careful to use rechargeable wherever
possible, the few that sneak through are not easy to dispose of ethically.
How can we?
One source suggests taking them back to where you purchased
them, as some companies have take-back schemes.
The following website has some advice :
http://www.envocare.co.uk/hazardous_waste.htm#batteries
"There have been recent advances in battery technology,
using nickel metal hydride, lithium and lithium-ion, providing consumers with
many benefits and conveniences. Among the plethora of types, some contain
dangerous heavy metals, namely lead, cadmium and mercury which pose serious
health hazards."
More information on batteries in general, and the state of
recycling facilities : http://www.envocare.co.uk/batteries.htm
Other links :
battery.ukf.net
http://www.battery.ukf.net/
This is a site with some unusual information on batteries and they have suggestions
as to how you can recycle your old ones. They also suggest how you can recycle
those old radioactive smoke alarms.
The Battery University
http://www.batteryuniversity.com/
The Battery University is the best site we have found to deal with many
aspects of batteries, including recycling (but not in the UK).
The British Battery Manufacturers Association (BBMA)
http://www.bbma.co.uk/
REBAT
http://www.rebat.com/collectionpage.htm
REBAT identifies Bosch, ORBIK and Trend as companies who offer a service.
It also provides a list of organisations to contact mainly by snail-mail.
Re-Cell
http://www.re-cell.co.uk/
Re-Cell offers a welcome service rebuilding Ni-Cd and Ni-MH batteries. The
old parts are recycled and the rebuild is cheaper than new. Their focus is
on Power-tool and Laptop batteries but they also deal with obsolete and custom
batteries. The rebuild may have a larger capacity than the original.
Evercell
http://www.evercel.com/
Evercel is a US company specialising in Nickel-zinc batteries claimed to be
environmentally superior to other types such as Lead-acid and Ni-Cd. For details
try the Evercel site or for our summary of battery types click on Battery
Information.
