Kerry MacKay sets out why we should dispose of our batteries and electrical products responsibly
My torch died ... now what ?
Kerry MacKay sets out why we should dispose of our batteries and electrical products responsibly
I
am the proud owner of four dive torches . Three I use often , plus one disappointing purchase that has never really worked properly . This temperamental torch has been cluttering up my kit bag and the time has come for a clear-out . Did you know I am not supposed to put it in the bin ?
Dive torches count as small electrical items and should be disposed of as such . In fact , many electrical items and their batteries have a symbol on them that looks like a wheelie bin with a cross over it . This is called the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment ( WEEE ) symbol and is telling us that we should not put that item in the landfill bin .
If you can ’ t put it in the bin , what should you do with it ? Small electricals , including dive torches , contain useful materials like metals that are expensive to mine as raw materials . Not to mention that many of these materials and elements are finite resources and some are already quite scarce . Metals are not renewable , but they are infinitely recyclable .
It is around 13 times cheaper to recycle material that is already in circulation , and better for the planet . For example , copper ( used commonly in wiring for electrical items ) costs around $ 5,500 to mine and produce one kilo of virgin metal . Whereas recycled copper costs $ 2,500 per kilo and uses around 90 % less energy compared to mining .
Batteries in particular contain valuable elements such as lead , nickel , steel , zinc , mercury , cobalt , lithium , silver , and rare earth metals . These can be difficult and expensive to mine , and when not disposed of properly , can be a nasty hazard to humans and the environment . We were all warned as children about how dangerous leaked battery acid can be . These are some of the key reasons behind the disposable vape ban announced earlier this year .
To recycle your small electrical items , take them to your local recycling centre .
There will be a small electrical skip / collection point . Larger items such as appliances may be gathered in the same section or nearby in a dedicated area . Pay attention to the signs or ask a member of staff .
I would hope that most of you actively recycle batteries these days . Many supermarkets have collection points / bins where you can put all shapes and sizes of household batteries . Of course , bigger batteries such as boat or car batteries should be taken to your nearest recycling centre , where there will be a dedicated battery collection point .
Before throwing anything out I always suggest seeing if you can repair the item . If
“ It is around 13 times cheaper to recycle material that is already in circulation ”
it is still under warranty then obviously make use of that . I ’ m not skilled in electronic repairs , so if you ’ re like me , try looking for a local repair café or shop , or ask the manufacturer if they offer a repair service even if it ’ s outwith the warranty period .
In Great Britain , the ‘ Right to Repair Regulations ’ came into force on 1 July 2021 and apply to specified energyrelated products ( mostly washing appliances , welders and commercial refrigeration ). This requires access to spare parts and technical information for ‘ professional repairers ’. Work and campaigns are ongoing to apply similar rights to a wider range of electrical devices . I think I ’ ve got through at least seven dive torches during my 15-year diving career , so far . Some have been donated to local repair cafes and where irreparable were turned into upcycled sculptures as part of the fun educational repair sessions . Others I ’ ve kept for spare parts . The rest , like my disappointing 4th torch , will be recycled and turned into new products . Maybe parts of my old torches contributed to your next shiny torch purchase . �
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