Stop wasting money and polluting the environment with disposable batteries!
We use rechargeable batteries in phones, laptops, tablets, ipods, etc., and they work well and have a long lifespan. Why then, do most of us continue to buy disposable batteries for household use (AAA, AA C, D and 9 volt)? The answer is that many of us have tried rechargeables and found them to be less powerful, and they discharge quickly so they are not ready when needed.
Great news, fellow Citizens of the Earth:
The newest rechargeable batteries resolve all of these issues and last for thousands of charges. Just choose the rechargeables that come pre-charged ready to use, to ensure you are buying the new technology.
Battery companies are not promoting this because they earn a lot more from disposable batteries.
By using rechargeable batteries, you will reduce numerous toxins including mercury from entering the waste stream.
Be sure to include rechargeables as necessary with all of your holiday gifts, and they make a great gift by themselves! Remember to ensure they come pre-charged when you buy them to avoid the older, inferior technology.
While we are on the subject, please note that the Millburn DPW yard accepts all types of batteries for proper recycling (drop off only, no curbside pick up), including household batteries, auto batteries, rechargeables and 'button' batteries used in car key fobs, hearing aids etc. Button batteries contain high levels of mercury so be sure to inquire when having one changed by a jeweler, for example, whether the store recycles them. If the answer is 'no,' I suggest taking your business elsewhere and telling them why. Then take the spent battery with you and dispose of it properly.
Tracey Stephens
8:11 am on Monday, December 12, 2011
Must I be a Millburn resident to drop off batteries there? (I live in Montclair).
David Harrison
10:38 am on Monday, December 12, 2011
Millburn's DPW is only open to Township residents. Check with your local DPW, otherwise certain retailers including Bunchers Hardware in Millburn accept batteries for recycling.
J S Beckerman
2:31 pm on Monday, December 12, 2011
I have an old metal coffee can that I fill with used AA, AAA + D batteries that s dumped at the recycling yard twice a year....but, unfortunately, I am sure that few do that.
Paul Gilmore
9:37 pm on Monday, December 12, 2011
We have several recycling containers in the Science office at Millburn HS, segregating regular and rechargeable for proper recycling, and are happy to have students and teachers bring their batteries to us.
Andrew Chalnick
9:53 pm on Monday, December 12, 2011
I just picked up some Sanyo "Eneloop" rechargeables. They hold a charge for three years and are fantastic.
Right of Center
7:51 am on Tuesday, December 13, 2011
except for the button type batteries, disposable batteries produced in the US have been made WITHOUT mercury since a law passed in 1996. (Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act of 1996). This is why batteries were dropped from most recycling programs.
David Harrison
9:18 am on Tuesday, December 13, 2011
RoC, Thank you for correcting me on this point. However, disposable batteries still contain other harmful chemicals, and can leak potassium hydroxide, a caustic agent that can cause respiratory, eye and skin irritation. Couple this with the fact that 100% of Essex County's non-recyclable trash is incinerated in Newark. It's also worth noting that most rechargeable batteries do contain more harmful (if not properly disposed of) chemicals than disposable batteries so it is especially important to recycle them properly when they no longer take a charge. Of course, reusing and finally recycling one rechargeable battery in place of over 1,000 single-use batteries is a major win for the environment and your wallet.
Right of Center
9:51 am on Tuesday, December 13, 2011
"Couple this with the fact that 100% of Essex County's non-recyclable trash is incinerated in Newark.."
incorrect again.
"Solid waste in the county can be grouped in two main categories: waste that can be burned in an incinerator (processible) and waste that cannot be burned (non-processible). The ECUA manages the waste flow of both types of waste generated in the County, which amounts to approximately 690,000 tons annually.
390,000 tons of waste is disposed at a resource recovery plant in the City Newark. 130,000 tons of non-processible waste is transported to the NJMC – Keegan Landfill in Kearny New Jersey and 170,000 tons of processible waste goes to a transfer station in Newark "
http://www.ecuanj.com/aboutecua.html
it's 57% not 100%
Right of Center
10:05 am on Tuesday, December 13, 2011
and where are you getting the "thousands" of of cycles mentioned in the article?
I can only find about 400-600 cycles mentioned in multiple sources.
http://www.google.com/search?q=nimh+charge+cycles
I think you have a lot of factual problems.
greengirl
3:55 pm on Tuesday, December 13, 2011
While I understand that inaccuracies exist in David's article, you are knit-picking. One intent of environmentalists is to reach out to people who aren't necessarily "green," educate them to the benefits of new green technology and encourage them to try it for themselves with the hope that they will make the change. Often other factors such as convenience, price or habit influence the decision more than the need to do what is right for the planet. David's approach which factors in health dangers, long term ease of use, lower costs and impact on the user's immediate vicinity - rather than the whole Earth - is effective. People who are apathetic to or even unfriendly to the green movement can and will find any excuse to NOT consider changes in order to play their part in the guardianship of the planet. People like you make it easy by providing them with factoids they can use to deligitimize the movement. Your vast knowledge would be put to better use supporting the cause. I say you take David up on his offer, pony up and join the Environmental Commission.
Right of Center
10:40 am on Tuesday, December 13, 2011
p.s.
And potassium hydroxide, while a caustic strong base, is not a heavy duty pollutant. In fact it's commonly spread on soil to make it less acidic.
David Harrison
3:16 pm on Tuesday, December 13, 2011
RoC, I had a word with the Head of the DPW, and the truth is somewhere in between. The trash collected curbside ('household garbage') is ALL sent to the incinerator. The other categories mentioned in the site you reference include large items residents drop off at the DPW, other recyclables dropped off at the DPW, and construction debris. Besides, disposal in landfill is not exactly environmentally friendly either. Regarding potassium hydroxide, I did not call it a 'heavy duty pollutant.' What I said is correct and we should not assume that all materials used for soil amendment are 100% safe. Regarding the number of cycles of the batteries, a quick scan on manufacturers' websites indicate 'hundreds,' 500 and 1,500. So perhaps a bit of an exaggeration and I apologize for that.
Bottom line, given all of your concerns and assuming 500 cycles, would you agree that the new rechargeables are a great option from both an environmental and economic standpoint?
Finally, you seem to have a lot of knowledge and interest in the environment...would you be interested in joining the Environmental Commission? We currently have open spots.
Stuart Weissman
3:48 pm on Tuesday, December 13, 2011
"We currently have open spots."
He would have to reveal himself for that. Ain't gonna happen.