Batteries are energy storage devices that can be recharged repeatedly. They are widely used in both automotive and industrial applications, as well as in everyday life in households. The creation of rechargeable batteries has enabled us to provide mobility to many electronic devices, so that we can carry them with us without having to use cables and electrical outlets. There is a large selection of different rechargeable batteries available on the market for a variety of applications. After a certain period of time, each battery wears out and should be replaced with a new one. However, due to the nature of its construction, it cannot be disposed of in ordinary municipal waste, as it could become a source of danger to the environment, people and living organisms.
Why do batteries need to be specially recycled?
The most commonly used batteries are gel, lead-acid and lead-acid models. Each battery is designed for a specific shelf life, and after that date it wears out and must be replaced with a new one. The old battery must either be disposed of or specially recycled so that the substances it contains do not contaminate the environment. Batteries of this type contain various substances that pose (if leaked) a serious threat to our ecosystem, these include sulfuric acid, lead, mercury or cadmium.
Diluted sulfuric acid found in batteries is a highly corrosive substance, contact of just one drop of it with the skin causes wounds that are difficult to heal. A battery can have up to several liters of this acid in it, and its leakage from a used battery could cause severe environmental devastation such as soil acidification that makes plant life impossible, or water contamination that causes serious disruption to the aquatic ecosystem.
The lead plates from which batteries are constructed are also a real threat to the environment. This heavy metal is extremely dangerous to all living organisms, its presence in ordinary landfills or forests can lead to irreversible contamination of the soil. Lead disrupts the processes that take place in the aquatic environment, prevents the growth of plants, and is also the cause of many serious diseases in humans (such as hypertension, diseases of the nervous system or brain damage).
Where should I return a used battery?
When a battery needs to be replaced, we need to take it to specially designated places that specialize in the professional disposal of this hazardous waste. This is the only way to dispose of an old battery, so that we can be sure that it will be recycled in a way that is completely safe for the environment. We can take it to the Selective Collection of Municipal Waste (PSZOK) or give it to our store when buying a new battery. This solution is by far the most convenient and popular. Our company, which specializes in the distribution of various types of batteries and accumulators, guarantees the disposal of used batteries in accordance with the environmental regulations in force in the European Union.
