THE BATTERY
ARTEMIS INTELLIGENCE AND
RECYCLING
EXPERIMENT
Introducing Artemis Intelligence & The Battery Recycling Experiment, a campaign created by Jaecob to inform listeners about proper battery and hazardous material disposal and recycling. Here you can find resources, information, and opportunities to engage in environmentally-conscious practices!
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INTRODUCTION
A BRIEF STORY ABOUT A FRIENDLY GERMAN WOMAN, THANKSGIVING, & BATTERY RECYCLING:
I remember I had a friend from Germany named Sabina. She and her husband had just moved to America only a few months before I met her. She would come to my day job almost every day, and we enjoyed comparing our cultures with one another. She would share stories about their lives in Germany, and I would answer questions about her new home in America.
For the most part, our conversations never really shocked one another–we simply enjoyed learning about the minute differences between our countries. Although, I recall two conversations in which one of us walked away, jarred by what the other had said.
In the first instance, Sabina came to me asking for traditional Thanksgiving dishes as it was her first time celebrating the holiday. "I would love to celebrate and prepare a traditional Thanksgiving meal for my family, but I don't know which dishes to make. Can you give me some ideas?"
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I happily answered her questions naming some staple dishes: roast turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, buttered rolls, and sweet potato casserole. She told me she knew how to cook all of those, but she'd never heard of sweet potato casserole. "How do I cook it?"
I explained it's a baked dish of mashed sweet potatoes mixed with brown sugar and topped with marshmallows. Sabina recoiled in disgust as I described the casserole. Reluctant (yet persistent), Sabina decided she would try it. Nonetheless, she was appalled by the recipe.
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Next, I was left shocked after a conversation. Sabina asked me one day how and where to recycle batteries in America. She even expressed that she tried to find a recycling center online, but she couldn't find any information.
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"In Germany, it's so easy. And it's common knowledge–everyone knows how to recycle batteries." At this moment, I was surprised. I realized I also didn't know how or where to recycle batteries.
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As I prepared the marketing schedule to release my single Artemis Intelligence & The Reconversion Experiment, I remembered my conversation with Sabina. After that conversation, I resolved to properly recycle my batteries. And while preparing for the release of my song, I dedicated myself to using this song to educate and equip my community to recycle batteries.
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After doing more research, I've prepared some information and resources for you as you begin your own battery recycling experiment!
Commence the experiment!
BATTERY RECYCLING
Can Batteries Be Thrown Away?
Have you ever asked yourself: Is it illegal to throw batteries into the garbage? Which batteries are harmful to the environment? Where and how do I recycle my batteries? It's understandable if you don't know how or where to begin--in fact, you're not alone. Did you know that only 8% of all consumed batteries in America are recycled? I believe this number is low not because people don't care about the environment but because few people know where to begin. No worries, I'm here to help! Let's start with the big question:
Are you a downright criminal if you throw your batteries into the garbage?
No. Probably not.
While many batteries may hold contaminants harmful to the environment, most household batteries (AA, AAA, and 9V batteries) have been manufactured without hazardous materials. Thus (in most cases), it is not illegal to discard single-use batteries in landfills.
However, it's good to know button cell batteries, the small circular batteries found in watches, and rechargeable batteries are the exceptions! These batteries are hazardous and need to be disposed of properly.
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In short, single use batteries (excluding the troublesome button cell battery) can be thrown into the garbage–rechargeable batteries cannot!
Why Should You Recycle Batteries?
Ok, so now you know which batteries you can and cannot throw into the garbage–but are all batteries recyclable? Or, can you only recycle specific batteries? If it's ok to throw batteries into landfills, why should you choose to recycle them instead?
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You'll be happy to know that all batteries are recyclable!
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Sure. The federal government permits most single-use batteries to go to the landfill, but that doesn't mean it's the optimal choice. Batteries can and should be recycled. The materials from batteries (like metals and other components) can be given a second life, so to speak. By recycling batteries, you can reduce the environmental impact caused by the production, shipping, and mining of natural resources from virgin sources. That's a huge impact!
Ok So How Do You Recycle Batteries?
Easy! There are many options when recycling batteries, but it's good to understand how to do so correctly and safely! Batteries (even dead batteries) can be dangerous and pose some serious threats. If not stored, packaged, and transported safely, they can cause fires, chemical burns, and even large explosions. Furthermore, different kinds of batteries need to be recycled separately, and the steps to do so vary.
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But don't worry! Both means of recycling are easy, and I'm here to demystify the processes! To avoid any safety threats, follow these simple steps:
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SINGLE USE BATTERIES:
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Use tape or a non-conductive material to cover the battery terminals (the ends of the battery).
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This step is essential! By covering the ends of the batteries, you can eliminate the potential for them to come into contact with other batteries or materials that may conduct any of the remaining energy from inside. You can also bag each battery individually–but that consumes a lot of materials and creates more waste. Tape is better!
Store dead batteries in a non-conductive container.
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To avoid the risk of fire, find and store batteries in a non-conductive container. Many battery recycling companies and organizations sell containers specifically manufactured for safe battery storage and recycling. Some of these containers are conveniently pre-paid shipping and/or pre-paid recycling!
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You can find some excellent battery recycling kits here:
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If you don't want to purchase a container, a plastic or cardboard container with a lid works great! Make sure to label this container and keep it in a safe place (out of reach from children and in a cool and dry environment)–like a shelf in a temperature-controlled room or a child-safe cabinet!
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Finally, store dead batteries separately from new batteries!
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When your container is at capacity (or the batteries have been stored for 12 months), it's time to recycle!
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Regardless of the size of your battery recycling kit or the number of batteries you use, avoid storing them for too long. Ideally, you should be recycling batteries within 12 months of storage, starting when the first battery is inserted into your battery storage container.
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When you're ready to recycle, you can either take your batteries to the appropriate drop-off location or mail your batteries to a battery recycling service.*
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*If you choose to send your batteries through the mail, ensure to comply with all local regulations and restrictions. To find out more about sending batteries through the mail, contact your local battery recycling experts or municipality!
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Finally, if you choose to purchase a battery recycling kit from a battery recycling company or organization, simply follow the instructions provided with the kit!
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RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES:
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Separate rechargeable batteries from electronics.
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Most rechargeable batteries in your home come from electronics like laptops, cordless power tools, and digital cameras. Some of these devices must be recycled separately from the batteries. For example, unusable laptops must be recycled separately from laptop batteries.
However, this may not be necessary for small electronic devices such as cell phones and iPods. Check with your local battery recycler for more information on battery and electronic recycling.
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Use tape to cover the terminals of the batteries.
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Again, this step is essential! By covering the ends of the batteries with a non-conductive material, you eliminate the potential for them to contact other batteries or materials that may conduct any of the remaining energy from inside. Alternatively, you can bag each battery individually.
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Recycle!
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It's unlikely that you'll collect mass quantities of rechargeable batteries from expensive electronics within 12 months. So, consider recycling your rechargeable battery once it's no longer useful to you!
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Take your dead battery to your local drop-off location, or mail it to a battery recycling facility.*
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*Again, if you choose to send your batteries through the mail, ensure you comply with all local regulations and safety protocols. To find out more about sending batteries through the mail, contact your local battery recycling experts or municipality!
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If you do use rechargeable batteries frequently, consider purchasing a battery recycling kit. While there are other practices for storing and recycling batteries, battery recycling kits have been tailored to adhere to safety regulations and make battery recycling easy!
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You can find some excellent battery recycling kits here:
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If you insist on doing it yourself, check out these hot tips on creating your own battery recycling kit!
In Conclusion
I hope this has given you a lot of information and even more inspiration to start recycling your dead batteries! Battery recycling (when done safely and correctly) can greatly improve environmental health!
Please join me this Earth Day as I spread information and awareness about battery recycling. And look out for the release of my next single, Artemis Intelligence & The Reconversion Experiment, available everywhere on April 22, 2022!
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Commence the experiment.
Disclaimer
Recycling and discarding batteries improperly can be dangerous. Because of this, local and federal governments have important guidelines and laws in place to prevent contamination and catastrophe caused by batteries. I created Artemis Intelligence & The Battery Recycling Experiment to inspire you to recycle, provide information, and raise awareness about battery recycling. While I have researched this subject extensively, I feel I must disclose the following:
I am not an expert on battery safety and do not claim to be. The information in this article may not be universally accurate. Laws and regulations may vary depending on your location in the world. Please conduct research about battery recycling yourself. And learn how to recycle within the guidelines of your local municipality.
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To learn more about local laws and regulations about battery recycling, contact your local municipality or battery recycling experts.
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Sincerely,
Jaecob.