Should batteries be recycled or tossed in the trash. just wanna be on the safe side!?

Question

I really don't know, becasue batteries have acid, so i don't think it should be recycled, but it is also metal, so i don't think it should be tossed in the trash either, so what is best for the environment???

Answer 1

I would always recycle. You don't mention what type you use, but disposables contain lots of nasty chemicals.

Nickel Cadmium (still good for long life in things like tools) are classed in the UK as hazardous waste as if they get into ground water (the stuff that eventually comes out of your taps!) they will pollute it with cadmium, which is a heavy metal.

Given the high price of metals, useful amounts can be obtained from used batteries (disposable or rechargables), so makes sense. Also stops wildlife from eating them (e.g. on beaches), which causes a slow, agonising death.