Toxic Risk, Avoid Disposing of Used Batteries Carelessly!
Without realizing, many electronic items in our homes that use batteries, from the television remote, wall clock, cellphone, watch, laptop, and so on. Batteries are one of the electronic items that can be used up with a duration of use that is not too long. Besides that, batteries are also sold everywhere. It's no wonder that used battery waste is very easy to find.
Most people just throw used batteries in the trash or even throw them away. Some people may even just stack them carelessly in a drawer. Whereas, Did you know that used batteries are one of the hazardous and toxic waste materials (B3)?
Used batteries include B3 waste
Batteries fall into two main types, i.e. disposable primary battery and rechargeable secondary battery. Both types of batteries contain heavy metals which can be harmful to the environment and health. The use of mercury in battery production has indeed decreased, but battery production still depends on other hazardous materials.
The primary battery contains an element of Zinc-carbon, MnO mixture2 (Manganese Dioxide), carbon powder, SMALLY4Cl(Ammonium Chloride). Meanwhile, the secondary battery contains cadmium, nickel, lithium ion dan alkaline (potassium hydroxide). These materials make used batteries fall into the category of hazardous and toxic waste or B3 waste.
Do not throw used batteries carelessly
In accordance with the explanation in the previous point, the dangerous content in used batteries makes them not to be disposed of carelessly. Sadly, there are still many people who think that used batteries can be disposed of together with other waste. Yet this can be bad for the environment and our health.
- Impact on the environment
Reported from Bbc.com, an experiment was conducted by someone named RJ to prove the dangers of used batteries. RJ implanted the battery in the plant and compared it to a plant without the battery. One week later, the results are obvious. Plants that are not planted with batteries still look green and fresh, while the plants planted with the battery became more wilted.
Through the experiment, it can be seen that the content in used batteries absorbs into the soil and damages the plants around it. Because of that, from now on you need to pay attention to the disposal of one of these B3 wastes.
- Impact on health
One of the metal contents in the battery that pollutes the environment and is harmful to health is cadmium, mercury, and lithium. . When the battery is in the ground, Cadmium and mercury concentrations can increase and can be absorbed by plants. Eventually, These ingredients can enter the food chain.
Cadmium metal poisoning can cause high blood pressure, kidney damage, loss of red blood cells, gastric disorders, to bone fragility. Cadmium is also considered dangerous because the element cadmium is a carcinogenic compound. While mercury can have an effect on human health, especially with regard to the highly sensitive nervous system.
On the other hand, secondary battery as often used in cell phones or gadget others contain the chemical element lithium which readily reacts with oxygen, air, or shocks. There are also elements of tin and sulfuric acid that are harmful to the human body. If inhaled will cause respiratory problems, brain disorders, even impotence. In women, can cause pregnancy and fetal harm.
The right way to dispose of used battery waste
After knowing the dangers of disposing of used battery waste carelessly, now is the time for you to properly dispose of used batteries. You can collect them in a special container and separate them from other waste.
If you live in the capital city of Jakarta, The Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta has an electronic waste pick-up program or e-Waste which contain dangerous and poisonous substances. You only need to register on the site lingkunganhidup.jakarta.go.id. On that site, You will be directed to fill out a digital form and complete it with name data, region, email, phone number, estimated amount e-Waste, and also types e-Waste. Garbage that has been taken will then be processed to a third party.
When your business produces electronic waste, You can contact Directions by number 081311116800 for cooperation in B3 waste management that is good and in accordance with applicable regulations. With complete licensing, ARAH can be trusted to manage B3 waste safely.