Jill's Jottings October 2015

Battery disposal

Every so often we read a newspaper item about the tragic death of a child after swallowing a battery. When I came across the following article I thought it was worth sharing. The article was in response to the question

“What should I do with my hearing aid batteries?”

“There are no laws in Australia regarding hearing aid disposal. Up to 97% of hearing aid, button cell batteries end up in household waste, potentially causing damage to our health and the environment. Adding to this, the processes used to create and distribute batteries are not eco-friendly.

Hearing aid batteries are typically made of zinc, mercury and steel and are called zinc air batteries. A typical hearing aid battery lasts a week. So if you are wearing two hearing aids, you will be using around 104 disposable batteries a year. If you are using disposable batteries with a cochlear implant processor, which has greater power requirements, you would be using around 312 batteries for each processor. Many audiology clinics collect used batteries and forward them to the council for recycling.

Unfortunately, Australia can only recycle car (lead-acid) batteries, and all other types, including hearing aid batteries are sent overseas for recycling. Some battery companies such as Hearing Aid Batteries Express (Habex) have invested in a recycling bin from French utility company Suez Environnement. Used batteries can be forwarded to Habex (preferably by road mail) and they fund shipping to Suez Environnement for recycling.

Adding to these sustainable projects, a European Union ban on mercury as a stabiliser in button cell batteries is due to become effective from October 2, 2015. Following the same ban in many US states, the EU ruling sends out a clear international message, that mercury containing batteries should not be manufactured or offered for sale.

To find out how you can safely dispose of your hearing aid batteries and prevent further contamination, you can contact one of the following companies:

- Suez Environnement

- Battery World

- Cleanaway

- or your local council.

Where possible, look at rechargeable options. Not only are they cheaper for you, they are substantially less harmful for the environment.”

Http://hearinghq.com.au/news/ask-the-experts/343-battery-disposal