Unlike older battery technologies, such as alkaline or nickel-cadmium batteries, modern lithium batteries generally do not intentionally contain mercury. However, some manufacturers may use small quantities of mercury as a contaminant in trace amounts, which can vary between brands.
Which batteries contain mercury?
Today the only types of batteries in the United States that contain mercury are button cell batteries and mercuric oxide batteries. The Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act of 1996 prohibits the use of mercury in all other types of batteries.
Are button cell batteries Mercury free?
The Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act of 1996 prohibits the use of mercury in all other types of batteries. With the passage of this act, mercury-free alkaline batteries became the national standard for most types of batteries. Button cell batteries are miniature batteries in the shape of a coin or button.
Are mercuric oxide batteries still used?
Mercuric oxide batteries still are produced for military and medical equipment that need a stable current and long life. Federal law requires the manufacturer to have a system for collecting the used batteries and ensuring that the mercury is not released into the environment.
What happens if Mercury is not recycled?
If they are not recycled, almost all of this mercury in them can end up in waste that gets incinerated or landfilled. If incinerated, the mercury can end up back in the air; if landfilled, it could end up in groundwater, and potentially in sources of drinking water.
Are button cell batteries dangerous?
These batteries do not pose a health risk when in use since the chances of the mercury leaking out are small. The mercury in button cell batteries can escape into the environment after they have been thrown away and are either incinerated or end up in landfills.
Can button cell batteries be recycled?
The mercury in button cell batteries can escape into the environment after they have been thrown away and are either incinerated or end up in landfills. Though there are no federal regulations prohibiting throwing button cell batteries in the regular garbage, they should be recycled.