The graphics on this page show some of the many forms of batteries on the market of which you should be aware.

Batteries are used in anything from radios and watches to laptops, phones and cars. When not disposed of properly, batteries with heavy metals (namely mercury, lead and cadmium) can leak into the groundwater, perhaps ending up in the water that you drink!

Whenever possible, alternatives to batteries should be used, such as AC Adaptors that make electricity from wall plugs compatible with battery-operated devices (check with the device manufacturer or retailer to see if the product has an AC Adaptor as an accessory).

Of the many kinds of batteries, only Alkaline and Carbon-zinc batteries are safe to throw away (the type of batter is generally listed on the battery itself or the packaging that it came in). The other forms of batteries (Mercuric-oxide, Nickel-cadmium and Lead-acid), however, cannot be simply thrown away! Regional Collection Centers, manufacturers and some retailers recycle these types of batteries. Call local retailers to find out if they recycle household batteries, and check with your city on information for any other local collection centers.

Another way to prevent batteries from affecting the environment is proper storage. Batteries should be separated by type and stored in plastic containers to avoid leaking. The battery terminals should also be covered with something such as electrical tape to avoid interaction between the batteries. These measures should also be taken with spent batteries prior to their proper disposal (as mentioned above).

Important things to make sure not to do with batteries:

• do not bury them
• do not dump them down the sewer
• do not store different types of batteries together
• do not throw away batteries with heavy metals (as explained above)
• do not throw them into a septic tank