The Green Team and the battery recycling dream
As an effort to reduce toxic waste within the community and raise environmental awareness, Huron High School’s Green Team organized a school-wide battery drive. From Dec. 9 to Dec. 13, both students and teachers participated by bringing in their used batteries. Over 1000 batteries were donated, but why is the Green Team collecting all these dead batteries anyway and where are they going?
This article was published in the Huron Emery newspaper Volume 5 Issue 3 which marked the first time my writing was published in print. It was such an amazing feeling! The battery graphic was also the first graphic I ever made.
Reflection
What’s inside a battery?
There are many different types of batteries that are made with various materials. Household batteries are mainly made of metals like steel. They also often contain hazardous chemicals including cadmium, lead, and sulfuric acid.
What happens when a battery is thrown in the trash?
When a battery ends up in a landfill, chemical reactions take place which release greenhouse gases. The hazardous chemicals in a battery can also leak into our water supply and soil. Not only is this harmful to ecosystems but humans as well. Detrimental health effects can result from ingesting crops grown in contaminated soil, drinking toxic water and breathing polluted air.
What can you do to help?
Using rechargeable batteries is one way to reduce toxic waste. Although rechargeables also contain harmful chemicals, they are more conservative as they can be used up to 1000 times more than a regular battery. Recycling your batteries is also plays a vital role in reducing toxic waste.
What happens when you recycle a battery?
When a battery gets recycled, the battery is broken down and separated by product. These products are then reused to manufacture new commodities. Recycling your battery prevents the toxic chemicals from polluting your community.
What type of batteries can you recycle?
From big car batteries to coin-sized lithium batteries, almost every type can be recyclable. However, it is important to double check that your batteries are accepted before dropping them off because it varies from place to place.
Where can you recycle batteries?
Batteries are not recycled with paper and plastic. You must recycle batteries at specialized centers. There is likely one near you! Washtenaw County Home Toxics Collection Center in Ann Arbor is one of these drop-off centers. They accept all household batteries and other toxic materials like light bulbs, old fire extinguishers, and more. The Home Toxics Collection Center collaborated with Green Team to help make the battery drive possible.