In addition, the battery industry is testing new materials in an attempt to find a cost-effective replacement for cadmium. The improper disposal of batteries can result in the leaching of heavy metals into the soil, groundwater or surface water. In the past, the majority of mercury released into the environment was the result of people tossing batteries containing mercury into their household garbage. Within the past decade, the amount of mercury used in household batteries has been reduced to nearly zero. Technological advances have included the replacement of mercuric oxide with less toxic manganese dioxide.
Manufacturers continue to develop new, mercury-free alkaline batteries that can be recharged.
At this time, these batteries compete for market share with primary and rechargeable batteries. However, most of these newer batteries can not be recharged as often as the Ni-Cd battery. Recycling Recycle batteries if possible. One recycling success story in North America is the lead-acid battery. The battery industry is the largest consumer of lead in the world.