When it’s time to discard rechargeable batteries from your power tools, don’t be tempted to throw them out with regular trash — they must be recycled.
To make recycling easier, the Power Tool Institute linked its battery safety website to an online tool that helps power tool owners find nearby authorized battery recycling drop-off points.
To find the nearest location, visit TakeChargeofYourBattery.com, go to the “Disposal” tab, and enter your ZIP code. After clicking “Go,” you will be taken to Call2Recycle’s website and a customized list of appropriate disposal sites in your area.
Improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries can expose them to extreme heat, liquids, crushing, short circuits, and other hazards that could cause potential fire hazards at waste-handling facilities and landfills, and contaminate the water supply. Recycling these batteries prevents them from entering the solid waste stream and preserves the environment.
Meanwhile, many common materials used in batteries can be extracted as part of the recycling process and reused. Typically, higher yields of usable material are achieved from recycled battery material than from mining natural resources, making recycled batteries an efficient source of future energy. For example, one ton of battery-grade lithium can be derived from 28 tons of batteries, whereas it would take 250 tons of ore to yield the same amount.
