If you're like me, you probably have a drawer with dozens of dead batteries (and maybe an electric toothbrush) that you can't do anything with. Today this confusion ends.

Everything you need to know about recycling batteries and wireless devices can be found here.

There are two broad categories of batteries: Battery Recycling Process, which are just batteries that can only charge one charge before they become unusable, and rechargeable batteries that can be recharged over and over again. Rechargeable batteries are becoming more popular as mobile phones, laptops, tablets and cordless tools gain popularity.

The disposal options vary depending on the type of battery. So let's analyze them.

Disposable batteries

ALKALINE, Disposable: Alkaline batteries, originally developed in the 1960s, no longer contain as much mercury as they once did. The Illinois EPA and all states except California agree that alkaline batteries can be safely disposed of.

Generally identified as alkaline, mercury-free, or 0% Hg

Disposal: Alkaline batteries are the only ones that can be safely placed in the garbage truck. Batteries cannot be placed in city recycling vehicles.

Recycling of alkaline batteries is available for a fee through postal recycling programs. Battery Solutions, Big Green Box, and Call2Recycle offer these programs. If you know of any free and certified recycling programs in India, please let us know at hello@corpseed.com or on social media at @corpseed.

LITHIUM, Disposable

Button batteries for watches are usually lithium. More recently, lithium batteries have also been available in standard A-AAA, C, D, and 9 V sizes. Because they can hold a charge longer than alkaline batteries and pack a lot of power in a small size. , single-use lithium is also popular with cameras and game controllers.

Commonly identified as lithium, Li, primary lithium, metallic lithium

Disposal: Lithium batteries cannot be thrown away in city recycling or garbage trucks as they can burn like rechargeable batteries. See the table below for disposal options.

Rechargeable batteries

Rechargeable batteries come in all shapes and sizes and can be removable or built-in. Rechargeable batteries are also sold in standard sizes as a cheaper replacement for single-use batteries.

THE GOOD: Improvements in battery manufacturing have made recharging cheaper, more powerful, and more reliable than ten years ago. Rechargeable batteries are generally smaller than single-use batteries and produce less waste because they can be used over and over again. Some types of rechargeable batteries can be charged up to 1000 times.

If you haven't thought about swapping your disposable batteries for rechargeable batteries, now is the time to give it a try. Although they cost two to three times more to start, they can save a lot of money and waste in the long run.

BAD: One downside to the added power and convenience of rechargeable batteries is that they can explode or start a fire if not disposed of properly.

Rechargeable batteries are responsible for starting fires in collection vehicles, recycling facilities, and landfills. Unlike disposable batteries, rechargeable batteries can generate sparks even after power consumption, making them a real hazard. They can also burn if they are crushed, dropped, or overheated. Rechargeable battery recycling programs ensure the safe disposal and recovery of valuable heavy metals with limited supplies, such as cobalt, which are reused in the manufacture of new batteries and electronics.

Typically identified as Lithium-Ion, Lithium-Ion, Nickel Metal Hydride, Ni-MH, Nickel Cadmium, Nicd, Small Sealed Lead Acid (SSLA /Pb)

Disposal: All rechargeable batteries, including car batteries and devices with built-in rechargeable batteries can be taken to the City of India Household Chemicals and Computer Recycling Center (HCCRF) for recycling. The HCCRF accepts all batteries except disposable alkaline.

Most national electronics retailers have Battery Recycling  Programs for replaceable rechargeable batteries (see table below). Do not put rechargeable batteries in city garbage or recycling trucks.

Prepare batteries for storage and transportation

Remove the batteries to be removed as you have more disposal options. Never try to remove the built-in batteries as they can explode.

Security First! For storage and transportation, tape the battery contacts or place them in individual plastic bags. Exposed battery contacts can generate sparks and start fires.