By Maya Buelow
Lane County Waste Reduction Specialist
We may not spend a lot of time thinking about batteries, but increasingly they are in everyday objects around us; toothbrushes, remotes, phones, shoes, the list goes on.
With the rapid evolution of battery technology and the widespread electrification of our lives, most of us are confused about how to safely manage dead batteries.
Luckily, there are many helpful resources in Lane County that make battery recycling safe and easy. All Bi-Mart stores in Lane County accept household batteries from customers for recycling. Recently, Home Depot also started accepting rechargeable batteries and single-use Li-ion batteries for recycling. These programs accept many single-use batteries, including widely used button and coin cell batteries, as well as most rechargeable batteries. If the battery label says Li-ion or Ni-MH, tape the terminal ends of the battery with clear packing tape and keep them in a cool, dark place until you can take them to a drop-off site for recycling. If you don’t have tape, each battery can also go into its own plastic bag.
Alkaline batteries should go in the trash.
Battery Safety Tips
Proper Charging Practices: Always use the correct charger for your device and avoid overcharging to extend battery life.
Temperature Management: Keep batteries away from extreme heat or cold to prevent damage and degradation.
Regular Maintenance: For car batteries, regular checks and cleaning can help maintain performance and prevent issues.
Replacement: If you notice swelling or significant capacity loss, consider replacing the battery to ensure safety and device functionality.
By understanding common battery problems and their solutions, you can help prolong battery life, ensure optimal device performance, and prevent battery fires in the home.
Maya Buelow is a Waste Reduction Specialist for Lane County. Her work for the county is focused on evaluating, recommending, and coordinating waste reduction programs and policy initiatives. Maya holds a master’s of Soils and Biogeochemistry from the University of California Davis.
|