Prevent Battery Fires with Proper Storage
Even batteries with a small voltage like commonly used AA and AAA alkaline batteries can start a fire under the right conditions.
If the negative and positive posts of the batteries come in contact with something metal, the heat begins to build. If this heat is confined (in a junk drawer, glove compartment, or box in your garage) it can’t dissipate, and will eventually get hot enough to ignite surrounding materials.
This can happen easily if a penny touches the uncovered end of a 9V battery, or if a paper clip or other common metal object comes in contact with more than one AA battery.
How to Safely Store Alkaline Batteries
It’s easy to greatly reduce the risk of battery fires with simple storage tips:
- Keep the plastic cap on the end of 9V batteries, or store them in their original packaging.
- Never store batteries loose or in a container with other batteries.
- Put tape over battery posts to prevent them from coming into contact with metal or other batteries.
Share these battery safety tips with friends and family! Buying Energizer Industrial alkaline batteries in bulk not only saves money, but the secure cardboard packaging also makes proper battery storage easier.
Can you recharge alkaline batteries?
Never attempt to recharge alkaline batteries unless they were specifically designed for recharging. Recharging primary alkaline batteries may cause the batteries to leak or explode. Prolonged exposure to heat will also cause batteries to leak.
It is possible to test and recharge alkaline batteries – if they are rechargeable. You can recharge all different types of battery sizes from AA, AAA, C, and even 9V batteries. At BatteryProducts.com we have two battery chargers for rechargeable alkaline batteries.
The reliable Tnergy Rechargeable Batteries come with a smart charger and a car charger. To get a maximum charge leave the batteries in overnight or around 10-12 hours. Once the battery reaches its optimum capacity, the charger goes into a trickle charge state to maintain power.
Testing Alkaline Batteries
You can either test alkaline batteries with a specified testing device or put batteries in low-powered devices like flashlights or computer mice. If the low-powered device works, awesome, but sometimes a testing device gives you a more accurate reading. If your rechargeable battery is not charged after being in the charger, the battery is likely drained and should be disposed of.
How to Dispose of Alkaline Batteries
Where to Dispose of Energizer and all Other Alkaline Batteries
The simplest way to dispose of your alkaline battery is to throw them away with normal household waste. in 1989, Energizer was the first battery maker to remove mercury from all household batteries. This makes throwing away alkaline batteries environmentally friendly and is the most proper way to dispose of all alkaline batteries.
Bulk Battery Disposal
If you plan on disposing of multiple batteries, let’s say 100 of them and when they come into contact with each other, this can create safety risks. In this case, the proper way to dispose of all alkaline batteries is to contact your local government for disposal practices or recycle them yourself.
Does Refrigerating Alkaline Batteries Extend Their Life?
It is important to keep all alkaline batteries from Duracell to Energizer in a safe cool place. Here at Battery Products, we believe storing batteries in the freezer or refrigerator is not necessary. The one place to not keep your alkaline batteries is in hot places, this can lead to capacity loss, leakage or rupture. Never throw away batteries in a fire or store them in hot places. Store them in dry places at room temperature instead. This is the most effective way to increase the life of your alkaline battery.
Alkaline Battery Safety
Never burn or expose alkaline batteries to open flame.
Given enough time, all dead alkaline batteries will eventually leak. Batteries leak potassium hydroxide, a strong base, which will cause irritation of the skin, eyes, and lungs.
When potassium hydroxide mixes with the air, it crystallizes into potassium carbonate. Potassium carbonate will damage or destroy any electrodes or circuitry connected to the battery at the time of the leak.
Most alkaline batteries manufactured today are mercury-free and not generally considered hazardous waste. However, even modern alkaline batteries contain corrosives and trace amounts of heavy metals. California is the only state in the US which specifically bans disposing of alkaline batteries with regular waste.
Alkaline battery recycling is not widespread in the United States, but there are companies who recover the steel casings and zinc-manganese anodes and cathodes for the purposes of recycling.