A battery is a device used to convert the chemical energy held in its active substances right into electrical energy using an electrochemical oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction. There are two types of batteries: primary non-rechargeable and the other is secondary rechargeable. Batteries are the requisite thing in people’s life. We use batteries in everything from remote controllers, clocks and watches, toys to cars.
Batteries include several large metals and poisonous chemicals that inescapably pollute the environment. These large elements will pierce the soil, amend the soil acidosis and alkalinity, change crops’ completion, and expand its body. Large metals will further penetrate the water body, threatening the endurance of marine bodies. Some large metals will additionally make the atmosphere volatile, contaminating the atmosphere.
Not only this, but it directly affects us! Yes, it is our living environment, and the human body absorbs the addition of substantial metals through the food chain, which harms our digestive system, nervous system, and so on. Hence, battery waste disposal is considerably more significant vied to battery production; but it is often an ignored problem. We can conclude that most used non-rechargeable batteries end up in landfills.
Battery Waste Management includes practiced methods to limit and manage the difficulties produced by the rash disposal of used batteries.
Contradictory to usual opinion, the environmental effects of batteries are not only restricted to their disposal in the waste stream but linked with each state of battery life commencing with mining of raw materials to the composition of battery accompanied by delivery and use. Ultimately, the end-of-life stages, be it recycling or dumping in landfills or incineration. Minerals like copper, cadmium, nickel, silver, lead, zinc, etc., are required to create batteries.
Since there are many difficulties linked with the disposal of used batteries, there are at least three practiced methods to stop and control used batteries from discharging away into trash bins.
The three methods are: Reduce, Recharge, and Recycle.
Reduce – Reducing the production of used batteries is the most efficient method of preserving the environment than finding ways to complete recycling or proper disposal after being produced. We should use batteries for those applications only where we cannot use electrical power such as automobiles, wristwatches, handheld remotes, calculators, children’s toys, military devices, etc.
Recharge – The need for secondary rechargeable batteries has saved considerably in current years with the extended application of portable devices such as tablets, laptops, cell phones, cordless power tools, etc.
Recycle – Recycling redirects thousands of tonnes of waste batteries from landfills and incinerators. Batteries comprise one or more expensive metals, like silver, cobalt, copper, zinc, aluminum, nickel, cadmium, etc., which can be reused as a secondary raw material after recycling.
Hence, reproduced rechargeable batteries considerably degrades the number of used batteries to be disposed of in landfills. Therefore, it shields the environment from leaching consequences of hefty metals and corrosive elements utilized in primary batteries.
The application of recycled elements in battery products overcomes the need for original metals. Thus, the pollution and destruction to natural environments and wildlife due to undermining of the pure metals further degrade significantly.
We must ensure that companies collect utilized batteries against the new ones they sell and safely transport them to protect our environment. The Indian government has introduced new laws for battery waste management. The government will make it mandatory for manufacturers and dealers to collect used batteries against the new ones they sell.
‘Battery Waste Management Rules 2020’ covers batteries of all types, unlike the Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001, which alone suggested lead-acid batteries.
According to the rules, producers and traders are responsible for collecting batteries and safely transport them to recycling plants.
Why the new rules matter?
- The current draft rules appear to make its growth and support transform the country’s waste into resources.
- 2.7 billion dry-cell batteries are used yearly in India. India currently does not have a mechanism to gather and ensure secure transportation to recyclers.
- Unsafe disposal of batteries can cause harmful metals like mercury and cadmium to drip out and penetrate the water and soil.
- Used batteries can be a vital source to overcome the shortage of valuable metals; they need to be disposed of in an environmentally-friendly manner.
Batteries are an essential part of our life. We use batteries for various purposes such as laptops, tablets, toys, mobiles, calculators, flashlights, portable music systems, electric watches, satellites, and many more. Several billion tonnes of new batteries are designed and marketed every year globally, and several million tonnes of spent batteries are disposed of every year.
Scientific communities have conducted studies on health and environmental impressions of casually disposed of batteries and the impact of which are also known to educated masses.
To achieve economic and environmental advantages and protect natural mineral and fuel resources, “Battery Waste Management” is essential.