In preparing for a talk to my colleagues this coming Friday that I have titled "Heaven and Earth - preserving our natural resources" as a follow up of my first talk on Saving the Earth, I have been searching the internet for information.
http://www.earth911.org/master.asp?s=lib&a=electronics/bat_env.asp
I came across this great site called earth911 that really is a gold mine of educational resources that teachers can tap. It is also a good source of information of us to find out how we can be kinder to the earth by not wasting water and electricity, how to dispose of items that would harm the earth.
One of the questions that I've always had is how to dispose of used batteries. My instincts tell me that batteries should not be thrown into the trash but I did not know that when they are burned, the vapours from the metals can pollute lakes and streams amongst other hazards like exposing the environment to lead and acid. Also, batteries that end up in landfills and incinerators could leak into the environment and end up in the food chain.
I have a collection of used batteries and I need to know how to get rid of them here.
2 comments:
I have visited the web site mentioned. It ddi not mention how they recycle the battery. I have been approached by a client (whose business is associated with handphone)on how to recycle Lithium Ion battery (Li-Ion) mainly used for handphone/mobilephone. I have not come accross the technology and she was willing to initiate a project with the institute. Hmmm. If u do come across, do let's me know.
I recalled (forgot either I read it or heard it long time ago), our market is to small to startup a battery recycled program, especially the portable battery (alkaline) unless some sponsorship is attained.
Cheers
ML
Thanks ML for your comment. I did further searches for information on battery disposal. Now have a better understanding of the subject. Alkaline batteries can be disposed of in the trash and is acceptable for landfills. But they should not be incinerated. I think I'll just put it into the recycling bag. Perhaps the metalic part of these batteries can be recycled. As for the technology to recycle lithium ion battery, there isn't any information on how to do it as I gather that it is guarded nformation as it is something that probably requires heavy investment. Be good to do a project with students that promotes recycling and saves the environment from further pollution. Good luck!
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