Why you can’t throw batteries in the trash: what will it be?

Lighters

The lighter contains residual gas.It may explode or ignite. No wonder some people are afraid to throw lighters in street trash cans. One unextinguished cigarette butt, and the explosion cannot be avoided. In this case, there may even be victims. Therefore, before throwing away, you need to make sure that there is no gas left in it. But it’s better not to take risks and hand over lighters to special household waste disposal centers. Now there are lighters that can be filled with gas yourself. This is the best option for those who care about the environment. In addition, such a lighter will save a lot.

What will it be

In Russia, there are no fines for individuals for improper waste disposal. For one simple reason: it is extremely difficult (and practically impossible in real conditions) to prove the involvement of a person in violation of the law on disposal. Therefore, thousands of people continue to contribute to pollution. As for large offices, factories, factories and other legal entities, they can be held liable, but this is extremely rare.

In countries with a higher culture of garbage collection, fines are more frequent, but even there they rely not on fear of punishment, but on cultivating the habit of taking used batteries to special collection points or lowering them into containers of a special color.

What harm is done to human health and the environment?

We are all taught from childhood to wash our hands before eating, to wash fruits before eating and not to drink dirty water. Every home has filters. All of the above will be useless if we continue to pollute the environment.

If you threw the battery in the trash, the path of its contents might be like this:

1. Dump.
2. Leak into the ground.
3. Getting into the water.
4. Contact with plants during watering.
5. your table.

Polluted water is drunk by the animals we eat. It is inhabited by fish, which we also eat. Everything is interconnected: today you threw a dangerous element into an ordinary trash can, tomorrow you will have to eat it with a cutlet or sausage.

Heavy metals do not evaporate when boiled. In the body, they settle and accumulate, causing life-threatening diseases.

Dangerous and poisonous substances

It was said above what is the content of the battery. Let's figure out what kind of threat these substances pose. So manganese, zinc and lithium are relatively safe. Unlike them, zinc can cause great harm. There is more of it in the battery than in the ore from which the material is mined. Zinc negatively affects the nervous system and can even provoke brain diseases.

Mercury is even worse. Liquid metal accumulates in the kidneys for a long time, which over time can cause their death. Mercury, which has penetrated into water bodies, is transformed into a related substance - methylmercury. In this case, the toxicity of the metal increases. Getting into the human body along with fish and meat products, it brings irreparable harm to the body.

Another dangerous battery element is cadmium. Like mercury, it can be deposited in the kidneys. Also, the places of its accumulation are the liver, bones, thyroid gland. Cadmium stimulates the development of cancer cells, which leads to oncological diseases.

Not the best way affects the influence of alkalis. They irritate the mucous membranes, negatively affect the skin.

How to dispose of batteries?

Recycle power supplies in specialized private enterprises. Batteries are recycled by small companies.The process of waste disposal occurs in several stages, which will be discussed below.

How to dispose of batteries at home?

At home, such a process is strictly prohibited. Such an activity can be very hazardous to health. Some self-taught chemists take apart power supplies and try to properly dispose of batteries. For example, they extract zinc from cups and then smelt it. Zinc is then used to produce hydrogen from dilute sulfuric acid. The carbon core is used as electrolysis. This way you can reuse the batteries.

For ordinary people in Russia, the best disposal would be a special box or urn.

Battery Disposal Guidelines

Basic recommendations for ordinary citizens on disposal li ion batteries and other power sources:

1. Place the items in a tight plastic bag, plastic bottle, or container with a tight-fitting lid.
2. After the container is full, and this usually happens after 10 years, take them to a collection point.
3. Throw them in a special bin.

This completes all recycling at home.

Garbage not intended for regular containers

The list of "special" types of waste is not too long, it is easy to remember. These are products that are safe for domestic use. However, when they are out of use, they end up in the natural environment and can cause damage to the environment. These items must not be disposed of in general waste bins.

Batteries and accumulators

Even used devices contain harmful substances such as alkalis, heavy metals.After the destruction of the metal shell, chemicals penetrate into the soil, groundwater with precipitation, and pose a threat to the environment and human health. The danger also lies in the ability of lithium batteries to self-explode.

Mercury-containing lamps, thermometers

Such products are safe as long as the metal is insulated with a glass case. After the violation of the integrity of mercury pollutes the atmospheric air, soil, water. In Russia and other countries, the collection of lamps and other mercury-containing devices has been legally introduced separately from other types of MSW.

Such products are accepted from the public free of charge at collection points and sent for recycling, which is carried out by specialized enterprises.

It is important to hand over used lamps in a cardboard box.

Non-toxic lamps - incandescent, halogen - can be thrown into the trash. It is advisable to put them in a paper bag, a box so that no one cuts themselves. LED light bulbs are being recycled, but the service has not caught on yet.

Chemical substances

This group includes substances hazardous to the natural environment:

• residues of household chemicals, paints, varnishes, glue;
• unused cosmetics;
• medical waste;
• pesticides.

If the listed substances are taken out to landfills, they will end up in groundwater and surface water after being washed out.

Good equipment, when used, does no harm. When the housing is broken, toxic compounds enter the air, soil and water, harm human health and the environment.

The electronic components of the devices contain:

• lead;
• nickel;
• cadmium;
• beryllium;
• various non-metallic additives.

To get rid of hazardous waste, you need to find a recycling company or take advantage of the equipment take-back program offered by many manufacturers.

auto products

Waste oils, antifreezes after replacement must be properly disposed of. You can contact the nearest service station, where there are conditions for performing this work. It is forbidden to throw into containers not only technical liquids, but also car tires.

Construction and bulky waste

Construction, overhaul is not complete without garbage. When buying new furniture, we are faced with the problem of disposing of the old one. It is necessary to organize the removal of such waste separately from household waste.

What are batteries used for?

People collect waste energy sources to save nature from pollution.

Why can't batteries be thrown into the trash?

This is due to the fact that harmful substances in batteries cause irreparable damage to the environment. They poison water and soil.

At the moment, all this stuff is thrown into garbage cans and taken to a landfill. There is garbage mixing. Then there is further burning. When burned, a number of harmful substances are released that poison the air. With precipitation, all this can be transferred to different territories and infect the area.

Therefore, in order for humanity to be healthy, it is necessary not to throw food sources into the trash, but to collect and take them to special collection points. But so far, few people care about it. People continue to look for cures for many diseases and wonder why they get sick.But in fact, looking for a solution by inventing pills is a road to nowhere. First of all, it is necessary to solve the issue of ecology and understand that the air that people breathe is very dirty and adversely affects the body.

It is difficult to cure a person of an illness when the etiological (that is, when the cause has not been eliminated) factor is constantly acting on him.

As a result of all of the above, it becomes clear why batteries should not be thrown into the trash. If you want to know why used batteries are dangerous, read the article Battery harm to the environment and humans.

Collecting batteries for recycling

The collection of used batteries takes place according to a pre-planned action. A person, usually a volunteer or an entrepreneur, who wants to do this business, performs organizational activities. In addition, he must create several advertising campaigns, involve schools, kindergartens and other similar institutions.

How do you arrange battery collection?

The most difficult thing is to involve people and organize an active collection of used batteries. To start the flow of batteries into the desired containers, do the following:

1. Contact the administration of schools, shops, shopping and entertainment centers.
2. Agree with them that special containers will hang in their buildings.
3. Talk to teachers, they can go to a meeting. In a special lesson, they can talk about why you can’t throw out power sources. In addition, it is quite possible to give the task to children to bring old unusable batteries and throw them into special boxes.
4. Prepare special containers.
5. Place them in and around buildings.
6. It is necessary to hold special actions around the city like rallies. Engage the public and journalists.
7. Create as many advertisements as possible.For example, use leaflets, radio, television, social networks, bulletin boards, connect environmentalists, etc.

Collection of batteries in the picture

Hand over the battery save the hedgehog

Under this slogan, an action is being taken to collect batteries in various cities and towns. This helps to instill respect for the environment in the younger generation. After all, it depends on it how much quality our life and the life of our children will be.

In this action, teachers usually tell that 1 power source can poison a place where there is one hedgehog, a couple of trees, several thousand earthworms and two moles. This helps to better understand the problem.

donate the battery save the hedgehog promotion poster

Sometimes they use a different slogan, which sounds like this: "Turn in the battery, save the planet." In fact, a large number of such chants can be used, but everyone has the same goal. It is to save nature from pollution and live in environmentally friendly conditions.

Selling batteries for recycling

Some people look for places where they accept used batteries for money. But you have to work very hard to find them. Because not every entrepreneur is ready to pay for the food sources you have collected. Most often, the collection is carried out absolutely free of charge, so to speak, for the idea of ​​​​cleaning up the environment.

How much does a kilo of batteries cost to recycle?

But at the factory, the recycling of batteries is carried out for money. That is, in order for the company to accept faulty power sources, you will have to pay about 140 rubles per kilogram. A couple of years ago, the price was only 70 rubles.

If you want to make money on batteries, become an entrepreneur, organize a collection and create your own workshop. Only in this case will the income go.

Where to dispose of batteries?

Most people believe that they should be thrown in the trash can, but this is not the case. Power supplies require specialized disposal. Their elimination is tantamount to fluorescent lamps, which must be taken to special points and paid extra. But fortunately, galvanic cells are accepted for free!

How to dispose of batteries?

Actually, you do not need to throw away the batteries; they must be taken to special collection points. But you can’t run to the place of delivery because of one old battery. Therefore, people save them at home by putting them on a table or in a box.

It is best to take a plastic container with a tight lid and place the power sources in it.

Or buy specialized ones. The second picture shows boxes that cost about 90 rubles. Used batteries are stored until the case is full. After that, used batteries can be thrown into a special bin located in the supermarket. Usually there is a power source and an environmental badge.

If you think at what voltage to throw out the battery, then everything is simple here. When a technical device does not work from an old power source, you can safely throw it into a plastic box. By the way, you can also dispose of the battery from the phone in a plastic container, and then take it to the collection point.

the main problem

Simple batteries and accumulators of various gadgets contain a lot of toxic elements that can cause great harm to all living things. If they are thrown into the ordinary trash, they will soon end up in a landfill, where nickel, zinc, cadmium, lead, lithium, or even mercury can be released during the decomposition process. All this will fall into the soil, and then into the groundwater.If the garbage is sent for incineration, then all these elements somehow end up in the atmosphere, which also does not bode well. Together with water, food and inhaled air, heavy metals penetrate into the human body. They affect the nervous system and internal organs, and also cause impaired breathing and motor function.

According to Greenpeace, one discarded battery can contaminate a square meter of soil with heavy metals. At the same time, more than 15 million batteries end up in the landfills of Moscow alone every year. The total number in Russia, and even more so around the world, will turn out to be truly incredible, and the harm done will be immeasurable.

That is why it is important that each of us adhere to the disposal rules, according to which batteries should never be thrown into the ordinary trash.

Harm of batteries to humans

Spent electricity sources not only destroy the environment, but also people.

Harm to humans is that the lead contained in the battery cell damages the genitourinary system (kidneys). Bones and nerve tissue also suffer. Sometimes red blood cells die. Cadmium incapacitates the lungs and causes some damage to the kidneys.

Such a heavy metal as mercury affects literally every organ. It destroys the respiratory system, penetrates and destroys again the kidneys and the nervous system. Also, under the influence of mercury, digestion is disturbed.

Zinc with nickel leads to brain disorders and destroys the pancreas. In addition, their effects can damage the intestines. And our whole body suffers from it.

The galvanic cell contains alkali, which is harmful to human health.It has a negative effect on the skin and mucous membranes of the body.

A battery thrown into the bin is a delayed action mine. As soon as the glass begins to decompose, the world will receive a new portion of the poison.

A cylindrical source of electricity can cause irreparable harm to health and cause both cancer and reproductive dysfunction. Initially, it is difficult to notice any changes. But over time, small power sources can make themselves felt. After all, they are able to accumulate in the body. Therefore, energy sources thrown into the bin will not lead to anything good.

Scheme of harm and how do harmful substances spread from batteries?

The following is a visual illustration of how the battery harms the environment.

The power source thrown to the ground is immersed in the ground. There it begins to decompose, and the contained harmful substances come out of it, or rather heavy metals and alkalis. They go even deeper and reach to groundwater. Together with groundwater, toxic substances enter rivers.

Further, animals and humans consume H2O. If you do not use any cleaning filters, chemistry from food sources enters the body. Moreover, harmful substances not only enter with water, but also with food.

Disposal of energy-saving lamps

The same pollution occurs if you throw away the battery from a smartphone, an energy-saving or fluorescent light bulb.

Of course, such light bulbs save money, but not the environment, that's for sure.

By the way, the disposal of mercury-containing lamps is the direct responsibility of management companies and homeowners associations.

Require them to place containers within walking distance of your home.

They are required to do so by law.

In many European countries, there is a principle: "Who pollutes - he pays."

Therefore, they have to recycle and dispose of old batteries, this is a headache for manufacturers and importers.

The cost of collection and disposal they initially lay in the price. Our legislators also want to come to such rules of the game in this market in the near future.

Of course, all of the above does not mean that all living things within a radius of 20m will immediately die from one finger battery.

But more than 7 billion people live on earth. Most of them use a bunch of different food sources every day.

In Moscow alone, several tens of millions of such products end up in landfills every year. Toxins from them will accumulate in living organisms, increasing the risk of developing cancer and other serious diseases, not only in us, but also in our descendants.

What then to do with batteries and other hazardous waste? Let it be recycled!

Why re-create something if you can use old things and save raw materials. This is quite reasonable.

Of course, really new batteries from old ones cannot be created at the factory.

But on the other hand, you can get ingots from zinc, lead, cadmium, copper, iron. And only then put these materials into a new production.

In Russia there is still one well-known similar plant in Chelyabinsk.

But it cannot work with measly hundreds or even thousands of batteries. He needs tons, tens, hundreds of tons. And they are not.

Therefore, the plant is still on the verge of payback. Recycling technology is very expensive.

The battery cells are sorted and sent to the crusher.

Almost immediately, the first important element, iron, is extracted from them.

It settles on a magnetic tape, after which it is collected and sold to ferrous metallurgy enterprises.

The remaining parts cannot be isolated mechanically. Chemistry comes to the rescue. The acid dissolves the mixture, and graphite, manganese and zinc are separated from each other in the crystallizer.

They are packaged and sent to production.

Recycling 1kg of batteries costs more than 100 rubles. At the same time, it is difficult to sell recyclables.

For example, recycled zinc costs 1.5 times more than virgin zinc. Which is why it is not in demand.

By handing over batteries to collection points, many are sure that in this way they personally save air, soil and water, not only for themselves, but also for future generations.

Disposal and recycling

All over the world there is an acute problem of disposal of such waste. In many countries it is solved differently.

• In Finland, the recycling process ends at the stage of separation of the iron shell and the insides of the batteries.
• Recycling by melting batteries in furnaces is carried out in Germany.
• In France, there is a plant for the processing of nickel-cadmium batteries.
• Alkaline batteries are almost exclusively recycled in the UK.

In 2013, the first and so far, unfortunately, the only plant for the disposal and processing of batteries and accumulators was launched in Russia.

This enterprise is located in Chelyabinsk, its official representative, the Megapolisresurs company, announced its readiness to recycle used batteries from all over the country.

The special technology used by the company makes it possible to recycle batteries by 80%.

Battery recycling is not about the benefits of getting recycled materials, it's about reducing damage to the ecosystem.

Composition and device

Depending on the composition of the battery, there are several types:

1. Alkaline (alkaline). Composed of minerals that are great for recyclables:
   • zinc,
   • manganese
   • graphite.
2. Nickel-cadmium. Cadmium and nickel released during recycling can be used to make new batteries or accumulators.
3. Lithium. These are small coin cells, made up of lithium and nickel.
4. Salt (coal-zinc, manganese-zinc) contain:
   • coal,
   • zinc,
   • manganese.

The purpose of battery recycling is not only environmental concerns, but also the conservation of raw materials and energy that is used to extract resources.

How is recycling

Batteries are hazardous waste class 1-2, the process of their disposal is under special control.

The procedure for recycling batteries is quite long and costly, but the result is the preservation of the environment.

Unfortunately, there is currently no environmentally friendly technology in the world that would allow batteries and accumulators to be completely recycled to produce products of proper quality.

All batteries use the same principle of operation, so the recycling process takes place according to the same technology.

Recycling of batteries takes place in several mandatory steps:

1. Sorting. At this stage, the batteries are distributed depending on the composition. This stage is extremely long and the work on it is carried out manually.
2. Recycling. All batteries enter a special crushing machine, where they are crushed into small pieces.Then, along the conveyor, a special magnet separates large pieces of metal. After that, the crumb again goes through another stage of crushing and separating the metal. The remaining mixture consists of zinc, manganese, graphite and electrolyte.
3. hydrometallurgy process. At this stage, the electrolyte is neutralized, manganese and zinc salts are separated, and graphite is obtained.
4. Package. At the final stage, the materials are packaged for their further transfer for recycling.

Recycling of the obtained raw materials

1. Iron. It is sent to metallurgical enterprises, where it is used for the production of various parts and items.
2. Graphite. It is produced from:
   • motor brushes,
   • vehicle parts,
   • mineral paints,
   • lubricants (from graphite powder).
3. Manganese. The scope of application is very wide:
   • production of mineral additives,
   • dye industry,
   • polygraphy,
   • production of new batteries.
4. Zinc. In addition to the manufacture of new batteries, it is used in many industries:
   • pharmaceuticals,
   • the medicine,
   • Agriculture.
5. lead alloys. They go to factories. The resulting pure lead is equivalent to what was first mined from lead ore. It is used in production:
   • electrodes,
   • ceramics,
   • glass.

Old household appliances

Morally obsolete or out-of-operation equipment people also without a twinge of conscience throw out on a dustbin. Meanwhile, there are dangerous substances in excess. They will poison the environment every day. Repair shops buy broken household appliances for a symbolic price. Large home appliances stores accept for recycling, while still making a discount on a new product.So, it is better not to throw away old equipment, so you can not only protect the environment from pollution, but also get your benefit.

Now you know what items are better not to throw in the trash can. Do not think that one battery or a bottle of deodorant will not lead to environmental problems. About 7.6 billion people live on Earth. If everyone thinks so, then an ecological catastrophe cannot be avoided.

What to do with used batteries

If you can't just throw away the batteries, how do you get rid of them? For this purpose, there are special recycling points. They are in many large cities, and their task is to accept dangerous or harmful things for recycling.

You can use the map to find the nearest recycling point. Select your city from the menu on the left and then select the type of waste you would like to recycle. Points where you can go for proper disposal will be marked on the map.

If you have access to the geolocation enabled, the site will immediately suggest the points closest to you

Batteries can also be taken to special containers located in some super- and hypermarkets. In Russia, this is not yet very common, but some European companies are trying to popularize this idea. For example, every IKEA has a similar container for used batteries and accumulators.

If there are no recycling centers in your city, try to find some environmental protection organizations - perhaps they operate in your locality. If there were none, then there are no options a lot - either continue to throw batteries in the trash, or put the used ones in some box and, if possible, take them to the nearest city where there are waste collection points.

What else is worth taking to recycling points

In addition to batteries, hazardous waste includes:

• lighters. Even if you are sure that there is no fuel left in the lighter, it still remains flammable, so it is better to take it to a waste collection point;
• fluorescent light bulbs (contain toxic chemicals);
• household appliances, computers, electronics - they all work on more or less toxic metals, and also contain a tiny amount of gold, silver or platinum that can be recycled;
• aerosols (including empty cans). They contain toxic gases and chemicals;
• medicines (also contain powerful chemicals that can affect soil or water unpredictably);
• tires. Tires thrown onto the side of the road or left somewhere in the forest belt are not only uncivilized, but also dangerous for the environment. It is better to hand them over for processing - usually either tire centers or the manufacturers themselves do this.

Caring for the environment starts with the personal responsibility of everyone. Gradually accustoming ourselves to everyday and simple, but important actions, we can gradually improve the ecological state of the planet.

What can not be thrown into the bucket

1. Batteries

Ordinary batteries, especially if they are used, can become a real time bomb for human health.

It's all about that the battery is many harmful chemical elements that can penetrate into groundwater and harm the environment and in particular human health.

To avoid this, be sure to take used batteries to the nearest collection point. There are such practices in every city.

Pay attention to them.

If the batteries are also alkaline, it is best to dump them in a special hazardous household waste dump, which is also available in settlements and cities.

2. Bulbs

Halogen bulbs and incandescent bulbs are not recycled.

However, note that they are non-toxic. Therefore, they can be safely thrown into the trash bin. The advice will be as follows: in order not to cut yourself and so that someone else does not get hurt, it would be best to first put them in a cardboard box or a tight bag.

The advice will be as follows: in order not to cut yourself and so that someone else does not get hurt, it would be best to first put them in a cardboard box or a tight bag.

What can not be said about fluorescent lamps. As a rule, they contain toxic substances, so you can’t just throw them in the trash can.

Some famous stores, such as IKEA, provide their customers with an additional service of recycling light bulbs that have been purchased from them.

Most LED light bulbs are harmless and recyclable.

In other words, pay attention to the packaging, carefully read what the manufacturer writes on it.. 3

Unused and expired medicines

3. Unused and expired medicines

If you have unused medicines or expired pills in your home, you need to get rid of them.

However, in no case should they be flushed down the toilet or thrown into the trash. After all, drugs are the strongest chemicals, which, if they enter the soil and groundwater, can also destroy the environment.

Instead, look for sites and organizations that recycle these products.

4. Empty bottles under spray paint

Aerosol paints contain a lot of gases and chemicals, so don't throw empty bottles, which probably have some paint left in the trash can.

The advice will be, as in the case of battery disposal: take the garbage to the nearest landfill for the disposal of hazardous household waste.

5. Computers and other equipment

Digital video cameras, computers, printers, TVs, copiers, iPods, players, cellular and mobile phones, as well as chargers for them, DVD, CD, video players, various cartridges and other equipment can become dangerous things if they get into the trash can.

As a rule, all of the above products contain harmful chemicals. We are talking about elements such as mercury, lead, cadmium, beryllium, as well as brominated flame retardants. Sounds intimidating, doesn't it?

The advice will be the same as in the previous paragraphs: the so-called electronic waste must also be taken to an organization that deals with the disposal of electronic waste.

6. Hair (as well as pet hair)

Human hair contains nitrogen. Therefore, if you add hair to a pile of manure, you can get a very valuable and free fertilizer for plants.

Well, if you cut your long hair, it's best to just keep it or sell it, but not throw it in the trash.

7. Fat and oils

Each of us knows that it is impossible to pour out the remains of fat and oil, especially if they are still hot.

However, even if the fat and oil have already cooled down, draining into the sink can cause a lot of trouble.

But you shouldn't throw it all in the bin either. Drain the fatty product into a jar or jug ​​and place the product in the refrigerator - it will come out quite a good replacement for oil.

But unnecessary technical oils should be placed in sealed packaging and taken to a landfill for disposal.

In addition, pay attention to special institutions where such waste is given a second life: they are often processed and used to produce automotive fuel.

Dangerous and poisonous substances

At the same time, under the battery case in depending on her type hidden many elements: lithium, lead, cadmium, mercury, nickel, zinc, manganese.

Lithium, zinc and manganese are relatively safe. As for zinc, its content in small food sources is even higher than in the ore from which it is mined.

But mercury is one of the extremely dangerous substances that cause poisoning.

Cadmium is a carcinogen deposited in the kidneys, liver and thyroid gland of humans. It affects every organ in the body.

Lead directly affects reproductive health.

True, in modern models there are not so many toxic components. In phones, smartphones, etc. now mostly used lithium-ion batteries. They are not dangerous, but nickel-cadmium.

It turns out that each battery contains a little poison. What happens to this poison once the food source is in the bin?

There are two ways:

If the battery is burned, all toxic substances, dioxides will immediately be released into the atmosphere. You need to burn it wisely, at a temperature of 1200 degrees, using special cleaning equipment.

It costs about 800 million euros to build such a plant. Therefore, they rarely exist.

In a landfill, it takes about 100 years for a battery to completely decompose. In fact, not a single power source released in the world has undergone one hundred percent degradation. On the other hand, sometimes it takes only 6-7 weeks for the top layer to collapse from corrosion.

After that, metals begin to poison the soil, groundwater, water bodies that we use for fishing and drinking water supply.

As environmentalists assure, one single finger-type battery can pollute about 20 m2 of soil or 400 liters of drinking water.

And on this soil, fruits and vegetables can be grown in the future. Moreover, the contact of even a heavily discharged battery and foil from a chocolate bar can cause heating.

Therefore, large landfills are burning one after another. It is not necessary to set them on fire.

It's interesting: why do not leave the charger plugged inwhat it is fraught with - we understand all the details