Where to return the used batteries? Addresses

The remote control stopped working, the radio for some reason refuses to catch music, the second hand stopped on the dial of an electronic watch ... In most cases, their repair requires simply replacing the old battery, after which the problem will be solved - the device will work again. However, despite the fact that the ability to switch channels, listen to the radio or wake up on time with the replacement of the battery immediately resumes, this also becomes the cause of a new problem, and much more global and environmental.

The fact is that a battery or a battery that is not properly disposed of has an extremely negative effect on the environment. So, only one finger-type battery that has fallen into a regular rubbish bin can eventually contaminate up to 20 m3 of soil or 400 l of water (according to the K.A. Timiryazev State Biological Museum, Moscow). Of course, this harm extends to plants of this area, and to animals. Indeed, on the notorious 20 meters of land in the forest, on average, two trees grow, two moles, one hedgehog, several thousand earthworms live.

The harm to humans should not be underestimated: the metal coating of the batteries deteriorates over time and the heavy metals contained in them fall into the soil and groundwater, and from there into the food from poisoned plants and animals and into the water that flows from our taps or artesian wells. Heavy metals from batteries that previously worked for the benefit of a person now begin to “play” against him - they accumulate in the body, affecting internal organs (liver, pancreas, kidneys), and sometimes even causing cancer.

The full extent of the problems associated with used batteries has already been understood in many countries. For example, in most European countries, spent batteries can be put in a special container in a supermarket. In Japan, batteries and accumulators are meticulously collected and stored until better times - when the best way to dispose of them will be found. But in Ukraine, the situation is rather sad: a person who does not want to harm nature will have to look carefully to find points where he can bring spent batteries. And far from always he will agree to accept them on a free basis. It is unlikely that this state of affairs can cause people to be enthusiastic and make them treat this problem with due attention. After all, throwing the old battery into the bin is faster and easier.