Batteries

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Rechargeable and Lithium Battery Facts

• Rechargeable batteries contain toxic heavy metals such as lead, nickel, cadmium, and mercury

  • These materials are harmful to the environment and pose human health hazards

• The above image box shows typical equipment and electronic devices that use rechargeable batteries. 

• Rechargeable batteries should be recycled to prevent environmental harm and reuse useful materials

• The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation* (RBRC) offers Call2Recycle for free disposal of rechargeable batteries and cell phones for businesses and individuals.

• • Businesses can support battery recycling by sponsoring* a dropoff box for free.  

• More recycling information can be found on the Community Resources and Links page.

Types of Rechargeable Batteries and their Dangers

• Nickel-Cadmium "NiCad"

  • NiCad batteries are the most hazardous because they contain cadmium which is a toxic heavy metal.

    • NiCad batteries contain 6%-18% cadmium.

  • Typically used in cordless power tools, cellphones, cameras, bio-medical equipment, and radios*

  • ​Improper disposal of NiCad can result in

  • • Inhalation if batteries are incinerated

    • Soil and groundwater contamination if batteries are landfilled

  • Cadmium poisoning can cause metal fume fever, pneumonitis, pulmonary edema, and death.

  • Cadmium is also a known carcinogen*

  • For more information, visit US Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration information page*

• Nickel-Metal Hydride "NiMH"

  • While less hazardous than NiCad batteries, NiMH batteries contain potentially carcinogenic substances such as metal alloys containing nickel

• Lithium Ion "Li-Ion" 

  • Lithium Ion batteries, sometimes called "Li-Ion," are widely used because of their long life.

  • Typically found in cellphones, e-cigarettes, appliances, power tools, digital cameras, laptops, kid's toys, and tablets*

  • When Li-ion batteries are improperly disposed of with municipal solid waste they can get damaged and cause fires*

  • • Lithium ion battery fires produce toxic gases which are particularly damaging to lungs

• Lead-Acid 

  • Lead-Acid batteries are the oldest type of rechargeable batteries.

  • Lead is a highly poisonous heavy metal.

  • Lead exposure can cause anemia, seizures, coma, damage to nervous, reproductive, urinary, and systems, or death*

  • Can cause irritation to skin, mucous membranes in eyes, or upper respiratory system and burns to skin

  • When Lead-Acid batteries are improperly disposed of or stored

    • Gas-venting valves can fail, resulting in explosion or fire

      • If the battery casing is ruptured, acid and shrapnel can be sprayed around the area

      • One explosion like this can ignite other cells within the battery or other nearby batteries

    • Lead and sulfuric acid can contaminate groundwater or nearby waterbodies