Batteries Energy People Garbage Make Leave Eslpod 1137 Cn Eslpod

For batteries to "convert" (transform; change) chemical energy into electrical energy it relies on many "heavy metals" (mercury, lead, nickel, etc.) and other chemicals that are "hazardous" (dangerous; not safe) for people and the environment. "Single-use" (used only one time) batteries must be "disposed of" (thrown away; gotten rid of) safely, because if they end up in a "landfill" (a garbage dump; a large area where garbage is left by big trucks), they might "leak" (allow a liquid to escape) hazardous materials into the "surrounding" (nearby; next to something) water and "soil" (dirt; earth).

Devices are supposed to be designed to make it easy to remove batteries so that they can be "recycled" (used to make new products). Most "waste disposal" (trash) companies that offer "curbside service" (pickup from in front of a home) allow consumers to leave a small container with used batteries, which are then collected to be recycled. And many businesses, schools, and libraries have "drop-off sites" (places where people can leave things) for used batteries. Most "retailers" (stores) that sell electronics also collect used batteries from customers "at no charge" (for free; without requesting a payment).

However, while some batteries are considered "hazardous waste," others are not. Batteries that are "classified" (labeled; grouped) as non-hazardous waste can simply be thrown away. But in most cases, it is better to take them to a recycling center.