Mercury and cadmium pose a special threat in incinerators because they are volatilized by the incinerator process. Once volatilized, they can be released into the environment as breathable emissions or as leachable elements in ash. To promote their recycling and proper management, waste batteries have been included in the Federal and New Hampshire Hazardous Waste Rules. The Federal Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Act was passed in May, 1996. The Federal Universal Waste Rule became effective in December 1998.
Primary batteries are non-rechargeable batteries.
They include zinc carbon batteries, alkaline batteries, button cell batteries, and lithium batteries. Alkaline batteries can last up to ten times longer than zinc batteries but may cost three to five times more. Button cell batteries are small, disc shaped batteries commonly used in hearing aids, medical devices, watches, calculators, and cameras. Lithium batteries can last about twice as long as alkaline batteries but are more expensive. Lithium batteries are labeled as such to distinguish them from other battery types.