Battery Care & Disposal
Master Instruments has a genuine concern for the environment which is backed by our commitment to the safe collection, recycling and disposal of all batteries as called for by the EPA in Australia, the EU directive in Europe and the RBRC in the USA.
We appreciate to the average consumer; a battery is a just portable energy device. They are not always aware of it's chemistry, it's ability to be recycled or the disposal effects of that battery on the environment.
Batteries come in many forms and are made of varying chemistries. The ability to recycle batteries is ultimately dependant on this chemical constitution. Economic viability governs incentive for the sustainable processes of recycling batteries.
Recycling is an expensive procedure considering what is involved. The logistical problems of collection, discharging, identification, sorting by chemistry, transportation and labour makes it this way.
MI utilises Ecobatt and Envirostream for the safe recycling and disposal of our batteries. Information can be found on our Recycling Policy page
Alkaline
Since the early 1990's nearly all alkaline batteries have been manufactured with "no mercury added".
These batteries are considered non-hazardous waste and are safe for disposal in the normal municipal waste stream.
Recycling of alkaline batteries is still considered too expensive to be a commercial reality, although some overseas methods are now being explored. These batteries are sent to landfill by usual means or if in large volumes may be encapsulated in concrete.
Carbon-Zinc & Zinc-Chloride
These batteries are considered non-hazardous waste and are safe for disposal in the normal municipal waste stream.
Recycling of carbon zinc batteries is still considered too expensive to be a commercial reality. These batteries are sent to landfill by usual means or if in large volumes may be encapsulated in concrete.
Zinc-Air
Zinc-Air batteries are considered non-hazardous waste and are safe for disposal in the normal municipal waste stream.
Recycling of zinc-Air batteries is still considered to expensive to be a commercial reality. These batteries are sent to landfill by usual means or if in large volumes may be encapsulated in concrete.
Silver Oxide
These batteries contain silver and are considered to be a hazardous waste. Silver oxide batteries should be accepted back for recycling by the manufacturers, battery retailers, jewellers & watchmakers.
More information on recycling silver oxide batteries.
Mercury Oxide
Production of mercuric oxide batteries was ceased in the 1990's due to environmental concerns of mercury contamination. Mercuric oxide batteries are considered toxic waste and are encapsulated in concrete or recycled for their mercury in Holland.
Mercuric oxide batteries should be accepted back by the manufacturer, battery retailers and equipment manufacturers.
More information on recycling mercury batteries.
Lithium
Lithium (metal) batteries contain no toxic metals and are therefore considered safe for individual disposal into the municipal waste landfill. Non-consumers should first fully discharge the battery prior to disposal so the battery takes up all the metallic lithium content. There is a possibility of fire if the metallic lithium is exposed to moisture upon cell corrosion. Most lithium systems contain electrolyte that is toxic and flammable.
More information on recycling Lithium batteries.
Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Li-Ion batteries do not contain metallic lithium and therefore are not an environmental risk. Disposal in the normal waste stream is considered safe. These batteries do however contain recyclable materials and are accepted for recycling by Ecobatt & Envirostream.
More information on recycling Li-Ion batteries.
Rechargeable Alkaline
These batteries are considered non-hazardous waste and are safe for disposal in the normal municipal waste stream.
Recycling of rechargeable alkaline batteries is still considered too expensive to be a commercial reality. These batteries are sent to landfill by usual means or if in large volumes may be encapsulated in concrete.
Sealed Lead Battery (SLA)
Lead acid batteries are fully recyclable and should be accepted back at any location that commonly accepts automotive starter batteries. There are scrap metal merchants or and recycling specialists for lead acid like the following companies.
- Parramatta Scrap Metal
150 James Ruse Drive,
Parramatta, NSW
(Tel: 9630 2974) - ARA (Australian Refined Alloys)
Euston Rd,
Alexandria, NSW
(Tel: 02 9516 5125)
Nickel Cadmium (NiCd)
The toxic cadmium content renders these types of batteries hazardous to the environment. Returning them for recycling to the manufacturer or battery retailer is considered non-careless disposal.
More information on recycling of NiCd batteries.
Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)
Although Ni-MH batteries are considered environmentally friendly, this type of battery chemistry can be recycled. The Nickel component is semi-toxic and electrolyte in large amounts can be hazardous to the environment. If no disposal service is readily available individual batteries can be discarded with other household waste.