Posted on: Monday, January 31, 2005
JAN TENBRUGGENCATE
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By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Science Writer
After a recent column on recycling rechargeable batteries, a number of folks wrote to ask about regular batteries.
"Might this be a good time to remind people about other kinds of batteries, i.e., AA, AAA, C and D batteries for toys, etc.? Where do we dispose of these types of batteries," wrote an O'ahu woman.
"I live on Maui and have been dismayed by battery recycling options," one man wrote. "You noted that the battery recycling programs were targeted at rechargeable battery types but what about the disposable alkaline batteries. I was on the Web and I believe it is illegal to throw away alkaline batteries. It seems that most people are not aware of this."
Honolulu recycling coordinator Suzanne Jones said consumers can legally toss their modern alkalines into the regular trash. She said that the worry about toxicity with alkaline batteries dates to older battery-manufacturing technology.
"The concern for household alkaline batteries is that they contain mercury. But they don't have the mercury in them any longer," she said.
NiCad rechargeable batteries contain toxic compounds that shouldn't be placed in the trash. However, they can be recycled, and there are places on each of the major islands where you can take them.
On Maui and the Big Island, Home Depot stores will take them. On Kaua'i, the Daleco battery shop will take them, but it charges a weight-based fee.
On O'ahu, Radio Shack and Home Depot stores take them. For more information about recycling batteries, visit the city recycling Web site at www.opala.org.
Jones said there is a concern with the button batteries used by smaller consumer electronics such as watches and cameras.
"Button batteries still have a mercury content, but I'm not aware of any recycling option for them," she said. That's a continuing frustration right now.
"All of us want real good solutions for these waste items, but for some of them we don't have any yet," Jones said.
Maui resident Adrian Utsch said battery recycling is important enough to warrant more encouragement for consumers to participate.
"Perhaps they should put a deposit on batteries to encourage recycling or they should legislate that battery manufacturers be required to receive old batteries in the same way that car battery makers do," Utsch wrote.
If you have an issue, question or concern about the Hawaiian environment, drop a note to Jan TenBruggencate via e-mail at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com, by telephone at (808) 245-3074, or by regular mail at P.O. Box 524, Lihu'e, HI 96766.
