Battery Fact

batteries everywhere

Batteries are an exponentially important part of modern lives

Batteries are becoming an increasingly important part of global activities. Times are always changing, so you should always be prepared for whatever comes your way. While we used to rely on grid-based electricity and fossil fuels, we are now turning to batteries to power our everyday lives. Our battery usage is growing rapidly, with new product types emerging all the time.

Here's a fun fact...

The lead-acid battery is a type of rechargeable battery invented by French physicist Gaston Planté in 1859.  Gaston Planté`s lead-acid battery was the first to be recharged by passing a reverse current through it in 1859.  The valve-regulated lead-acid battery (VRLA) was developed in the 1970s to introduce the absorbed glass mat (AGM) type.  Surprisingly, the lead-acid car battery hasn’t changed much since its invention. 

 Grid recovery, new additives, and modified technology to produce thinner plates with greater corrosion resistance are examples of progress in a lead-acid battery.

So what is inside a battery and which parts can be recycled?

Let’s start with the outside. Batteries usually consist of one or more cells. Each cell has an exterior casing, usually made from metal or plastic, which has two terminals attached to it – a positive and a negative. The placement of the terminals varies – they may be side by side or have one on each end.Inside, the positive terminal is connected to the ‘cathode’ and the negative terminal is connected to the ‘anode’. There is a wide variety of materials that can be used to make the cathode and anode for batteries, depending on the different chemistries. Electrons can easily flow between an electrolyte medium.

Why it’s important to recycle battery?

By recycling batteries, you can be part of the solution to a growing waste problem. Remember to buy rechargeable and recyclable batteries whenever you can.

To show that you value the resources they contain

Batteries are made from materials such as lead, cadmium, mercury, lithium, uranium, manganese, nickel and zinc. These materials are all non-renewable and can be recycled an indefinite number of times. They have a commercial value as well. By recycling your batteries, you can demonstrate your understanding of the value of the materials in each battery.

To properly dispose of batteries that pose a fire hazard

This statement is true – batteries can catch fire. Depending on the type of battery, if a connection is made between the terminals, they can catch on fire. This could cause a short circuit and could lead to ignition. Lithium-ion batteries are very dangerous because they can catch on fire if they’re damaged or if they overheat. The danger of running out of energy is less if you use it all up.Always protect the terminals once you are finished with your batteries by taping the ends. Do not throw your batteries in the trash – they could start a fire in the truck or in the landfill. This is very bad news as landfill fires can cause serious air pollution. By recycling your batteries through a battery recycler, you can avoid this risk of fire.

To keep toxic substances out of harms way

Batteries can contain toxic substances, such as mercury, cadmium, and lead. However, the batteries we use are safe and have minimal impact on the environment. Button cell batteries are a particularly risky choice if swallowed, as they can result in burns or even death. All batteries should be handled with caution, as they can be more or less toxic depending on the type.Button cell batteries shouldn’t be stored in the home for long, and you can also help keep toxic substances out of the environment by recycling them.

To protect the environment

Most batteries contain hazardous materials, so they can pollute the environment when disposed of in landfills or when thrown out elsewhere. Materials like lead, cadmium, and mercury can poison people and animals and contaminate soils and water, and they stay in the environment for a long time. By recycling your batteries, you help protect the environment.

To create a circular economy, not a wasteful one

The circular economy is one of the most talked-about topics in business today! This is an old and wise idea that is being updated for the modern age. We know that recycling old materials is the best way to create new products such as batteries. This is important because some materials used in batteries are becoming hard to get. By recycling your batteries, you can help ensure we have enough materials to make batteries in the future.

Battery safety

Batteries make our world go round, but they can also be harmful if not handled properly. Batteries can be dangerous if swallowed, and can also be flammable, corrosive, and cause electric shocks. However, there are many different types and models of batteries, so always consult the manufacturer for the latest safety information. There are some general safety tips that will keep everyone safe.