Alkaline – primary (single use)
Applications
- Single use or ‘primary’ battery
- Commonly used in handheld devices
Components
- Manganese, zinc, potassium hydroxide
Risks/hazards
- Loss of valuable resources
- Very low potential risk of fire: if damaged or terminals short circuit
- Prohibited from landfill in the European Union and some states in the US
Storage of used button cell batteries in the home
- Cover terminals with tape to prevent short circuit and minimise risk of fire
- Store out of reach and stored out of each of children
Recyclability
- Close to 100% of the materials can be recycled and there is a well-established infrastructure for collection and recycling.
Collection rate
- 1.6%
Recycling rate
- 99% if recycled
UN Number
- 2795
Manufacturers
- Duracell, Energizer, Fujitsu, Panasonic, etc
Health and safety
- Follow manufacturers’ guidelines for safe handling and storage.
- ABRI has published a series of information sheets at: www.batteryrecycling.org.au/recycling/automotive-batteries
Examples of Alkaline batteries can be seen in the photo below. Notice that the terminals are taped to protect them from short circuit and minimise the risk of fire.
