Every year on February 18th, we observe National Battery Day, to celebrate the batteries that power our daily lives.
As we approach National Battery day, it’s important to take some time to appreciate the battery technologies that help to shape the world, as well as to remind ourselves of our responsibilities to properly dispose of them at their end of life.
A Glimpse into Battery Day History
February 18th is designated as National Battery Day in commemoration of the birth anniversary of the Italian physicist Alessandro Volta. Volta invented the electric battery that provided the first source of continuous current in 1800. Volta’s battery consisted of alternating stacked copper and zinc discs, separated by either paper or cloth soaked in saltwater or sodium hydroxide. It is also known as the voltaic pile.
Sustainability and Responsible Battery Disposal
Batteries contain various chemical elements such as mercury, lead, nickel, and silver, which can pose a risk to the environment when they end up in landfills. However, when batteries are recycled responsibly, they can be repurposed into new items, such as stainless-steel appliances, golf clubs, and even bicycles. The possibilities are endless.
Some batteries, featuring materials like cobalt and lithium, are considered critical minerals due to their scarcity and irreplaceability. Recognizing this, National Battery Day is the perfect opportunity for all Canadians to come together and promote safe battery recycling practices within their communities.
How to Celebrate Battery Day?
- Learn and Explore. Spend some time learning about different types of batteries, battery safety, the recycling journey, and more.
- DIY Fun. Create a simple battery using a lemon. It’s a fascinating experiment that provides insight into the basics of battery power.
- Take Inventory. Take count of batteries powering your life, and separate the exhausted ones that deserve a second life.
- Start Recycling. Follow simple steps of 1) Collect 2) Protect 3) Drop Off to recycle your old batteries. It’s a small action that collectively makes a big difference.
