FEBRUARY 18TH IS NATIONAL BATTERY DAY! ARE YOU RECYCLING YOUR BATTERIES?

When my daughter was in grade 3, her teacher initiated a recycling and composting campaign in their school. My daughter would come home from school every day with more information on items that could be recycled.

Now both of my children are involved in the Earth Club in their school and we are learning more and more about the impact we are leaving on the environment.

Everyone everywhere uses batteries on a daily basis.

In fact, until I sat down and actually thought about it, I didn’t realize how many devices I use on a daily basis that need batteries to power them.

Toothbrushes, flashlights, computer mice, video game remotes, wall clocks, alarm clocks and so much more!

But what do we do with the batteries once they are no longer working and aren’t rechargeable? Most batteries end up in the trash and eventually piling up in our landfills.

This post is in partnership with Call2Recycle.

February 18^th is National Battery Day and Call2Recycle Canada wants to protect and preserve the environment by collecting and recycling old batteries!

Recycling batteries doesn’t just mean throwing them into a container. There are some safety guidelines that should be followed.

5 TIPS FOR SAFE AND EASY BATTERY RECYCLING

1. SAFETY FIRST!

Be sure you safely prep your batteries in one of two ways.

Option # 1: Put each battery into its own clear plastic bag.

Option # 2: Tape the terminals with clear packing, non-conductive electrical or duct tape. Remember to keep the label visible.

Once they are prepared safely, then place them into a storage container.

2. STAY COOL.

Store the batteries in a cool, dry place where they are no exposed to hot weather.

3. POSSIBLE DAMAGE?

If you see swollen or bulging batteries DO NOT THROW IT AWAY! Place it in a non-flammable material such as sand or kitty litter. Then call Call2Recycle, or the manufacturer for directions on how to dispose.

4. TIMING IS KEY.

Try to drop off the batteries to a recycle depot within 6 months. Use the handy Call2Recycle locator to find the nearest drop-off location.

5. SPREAD THE WORD!

Share the knowledge about battery recycling with your family and friends.

We now have a designated spot in our home where all our dead batteries get stored and my daughter is on top of making sure the batteries are stored properly and recycled at a drop-off location.

Of course, she has no problem telling all her family and friends that we will take any dead batteries they have in their homes off their hands!

What devices do you use that are powered by batteries? Have you ever thought of recycling those dead and worn out batteries? Visit www.call2recycle.ca/NBD2019 for more information and helpful resources.

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