Almost everyone uses and discards
batteries into the waste stream. Although waste batteries are a small amount of
the solid waste stream, they are a concentrated source of some types of heavy
metals. The main constituents of concern for human health and the environment
include: cadmium, lead and mercury. Since 1993, domestically produced alkaline
and carbon zinc batteries contain no added mercury and are essentially
mercury-free. Since early 1995, rechargeable alkaline batteries contain no added mercury and
are essentially mercury-free.
