The production of rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries can have negative environmental impacts due to the mining and refining of materials used to make them, such as lithium, cobalt, manganese and nickel. These processes can have significant impacts on the environment, including air and water pollution, habitat destruction, and greenhouse gas emissions. However, rechargeable batteries generally have a longer lifespan than non-rechargeable batteries, which can offset some of the consequences of their production. Non-rechargeable batteries are generally used for a shorter period of time than rechargeable batteries, so they may need to be replaced more frequently, leading to additional impacts from their production.

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RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES

Most consumer rechargeable batteries are made of lithium-ion or nickel-metal hydride materials.

Lithium

Lithium-ion batteries are made of a combination of lithium, cobalt, and other materials, and they are a popular choice for a wide range of consumer applications, including laptops, smartphones, and electric vehicles. They are known for their high energy density and long lifespan, and they can be recharged multiple times before needing to be replaced. Lithium is a lightweight and highly reactive metal that can store a large amount of energy in a small volume, making it a useful material for batteries. Lithium is not typically used in non-rechargeable batteries.

Environmental cost:

Lithium used in batteries can have significant environmental impacts due to the mining and refining of lithium ore, which can release dust and other pollutants into the air and water. The refining process can also generate waste products, such as slag and sludge, which can contain high levels of heavy metals and other contaminants and may require special disposal methods to prevent environmental contamination. The extraction of lithium from brine sources, which is a common method used to produce lithium, can have negative impacts on water resources, as it can involve the pumping and evaporation of large volumes of water.

Nickel-metal hydride

Nickel-metal hydride batteries are made of a combination of nickel and metal hydride, and they are commonly used in consumer applications such as digital cameras and portable electronic devices. They are known for their high energy density and long lifespan, and they can also be recharged multiple times before needing to be replaced.

Environmental cost:

Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries can have a range of consequences, including the mining and refining of raw materials such as nickel, metal hydrides, and other metals, which can effect the environment including air and water pollution, habitat destruction, and greenhouse gas emissions. The production process can also generate waste products, such as slag and sludge, which may contain hazardous materials and may require special disposal methods to prevent environmental contamination. The production of NiMH batteries can involve the use of large amounts of water and a significant amount of energy, which can have negative impacts on local water resources and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions if the energy is produced from fossil fuels. These environmental impacts can be mitigated through responsible sourcing and production practices.

Manganese

Manganese is another material that is commonly used in both rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries. It is often used in combination with zinc to make alkaline batteries, and it is also used in some types of rechargeable batteries, such as manganese-based lithium-ion batteries.

Environmental cost:

Manganese used in batteries can have negative environmental impacts due to the mining and refining of manganese ore, which can release dust and other pollutants into the air and water. The refining process can also generate waste products, such as slag and sludge, which can contain high levels of heavy metals and other contaminants and may require special disposal methods to prevent environmental contamination.

Cobalt

Cobalt is another material that is commonly used in rechargeable batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries. It is a hard, silver-gray metal that is highly resistant to corrosion and is an effective conductor of electricity. Cobalt is not typically used in non-rechargeable batteries.

Environmental cost:

Cobalt used in batteries can also have significant ramifications due to the mining and refining of cobalt ore, which can release dust and other pollutants into the air and water. The refining process can also generate waste products, such as slag and sludge, which can contain high levels of heavy metals and other contaminants and may require special disposal methods to prevent environmental contamination. Much of the world’s cobalt is mined in countries with weak environmental regulations and oversight, which can lead to environmental degradation and human rights abuses.

Zinc

Zinc is a common material used in both rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries. It is often used in combination with manganese dioxide to make alkaline batteries, which are a type of non-rechargeable battery. Zinc is also used in some types of rechargeable batteries, such as zinc-carbon batteries.

Environmental cost:

The production of zinc for use in batteries can have negative environmental impacts due to the mining and refining of zinc ore, which can release dust and other pollutants into the air and water. In addition, the waste generated from the refining process, known as tailings, can contain high levels of heavy metals and other contaminants, which can have negative impacts on the environment if not properly managed.

Other materials

Rechargeable batteries may be made of other materials, such as lead-acid or nickel-cadmium, but these types of batteries are generally not as widely used in consumer applications as lithium-ion and nickel-metal hydride batteries.

NON-REHARGEABLE BATTERIES

Most consumer non-rechargeable batteries are made of alkaline or zinc-carbon materials.

Other types of non-rechargeable batteries may be made of other materials, such as lithium or silver oxide, but these types of batteries are generally not as widely used in consumer applications as alkaline and zinc-carbon batteries.

Zinc & Manganese Dioxide

Alkaline batteries are made of a combination of zinc and manganese dioxide, and they are a popular choice for a wide range of household and industrial applications. They are known for their long shelf life and high energy density, and they are generally more expensive than zinc-carbon batteries.

Zinc-carbon

Zinc-carbon batteries are made of a combination of zinc and carbon, and they are a less expensive alternative to alkaline batteries. They are commonly used in low-drain devices, such as clocks and remote controls, and they are known for their low cost and long shelf life.

Environmental cost:

The production of zinc and manganese dioxide batteries and zinc-carbon batteries can have a range of consequences, including the mining and refining of raw materials such as zinc and carbon, which can have negative impacts on the environment including air and water pollution, habitat destruction, and greenhouse gas emissions. The production process can also generate waste products, such as slag and sludge, which may contain hazardous materials and may require special disposal methods to prevent environmental contamination. The production of these batteries can involve the use of large amounts of water and a significant amount of energy, which can effect local water resources and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions if the energy is produced from fossil fuels. These environmental impacts can be mitigated through responsible sourcing and production practices.

Proper Disposal of Batteries

Proper disposal of batteries is important to protect the environment and human health. Different countries, states, and municipalities may have specific regulations for the disposal of batteries. It is important to check these regulations to ensure that batteries are disposed of in a way that is compliant with local laws.

Batteries should not be thrown in the trash, as they can release toxic chemicals into the environment if not properly managed. Instead, batteries should be properly disposed of at a designated battery recycling facility or through a battery recycling program. Many retailers, including electronics stores and big box stores, offer battery recycling programs, and local governments may also have programs in place to recycle batteries.

Before disposing of dead batteries, it is important to store them safely to prevent leaks or accidents. Batteries should be stored in a dry place, away from children and pets, and they should be kept away from combustible materials.

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United States Environmental Protection Agency
Used Household Batteries