|  | Public Health Safety | Community

What Do Batteries Do in a Landfill?

Consumers purchase billions of batteries each year and many of these batteries end up in landfills. Batteries don't degrade quickly and decomposing batteries can affect water supply, land and human health.

  1. Composition

    • Manufacturers produce batteries made of many material types. Some of the most popular batteries on the market include lead, lithium ion and alkaline. Batteries also include materials like mercury and nickel and do not degrade quickly because of these and other materials used to produce them.

    Effects on Landfill and Environment

    • Mercury, nickel, lead, and other toxic materials can leach out of batteries at the landfill and seep into the ground water supply that mixes with streams and lakes. This can poison the water supply to cause disease and even death for small organisms, fish, and other animals in the food chain. Humans who consume tainted water or fish from these lakes and streams can also become ill.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Many corporations and some government agencies now have collection days that allow consumers to bring their unwanted batteries for proper care and destruction. Consumers can also purchase rechargeable batteries that reduce waste.

Community - Related Articles