Frequently Asked Questions
- How to safely dispose of Batteries.
- What should I do if the battery leaked onto my hands?
- What must I do if my child or dog swallowed a battery?
- Why does my digital camera show that the battery is flat even though it is brand new?
How to safely dispose of Batteries
The consumer battery industry has been in the forefront of environmental protection and almost all responsible manufacturers produce products without the heavy metals like cadmium and Mercury. In the past zinc batteries contained cadmium & mercury, these elements were included to increase the battery life but are harmful to the environment as well as to humans.
Eveready has been producing Cadmium and Mercury free products for considerable periods of time. Our products do not pose an environmental risk and can be disposed of in normal municipal waste. Further, our commitment to the environment is reflected in the fact that Eveready is ISO 14001 compliant and we were also awarded the SJM Flex Environmental award for two consecutive years 2006 & 2007.
The key ingredients of a consumer battery are zinc and manganese dioxide which when disposed in conventional waste methods converts itself to various salts of zinc and manganese which act as micro nutrients for the soil.
No country in the world has yet implemented a structure to recycle consumer batteries because of the lack of any major negative impact.
If ever any new technology appears which alters this position, Eveready would be in the forefront to take necessary steps
Please refer to below table for further details regarding disposal of batteries.
Battery Type | Sizes available | Applications | Disposal |
Alkaline | AAA, AA, C, D, 9V | High Drain applications eg. Digital camera’s, Heart Monitors, Calculators, Remote control toys, Alarm Clocks, Smoke alarms, iPod’s, MP3 players etc. | Dispose of in household trash |
Zinc Chloride | AAA, AA, C, D, 9V | Low to medium drain applications eg. Remote controls, Flashlights, Radio’s, Clocks | Dispose of in household trash |
What should I do if the battery leaked onto my hands?
All materials are CORROSIVE (due to the presence of electrolytes) and may cause burning sensation to eyes and skin. Wash hands or eyes thoroughly with running water. If burning symptoms persist seek medical advice
What must I do if my child or dog swallowed a battery?
Not anticipated due to the size of the battery. Leaking / Opened Power Plus Gold / Silver (zinc chloride) batteries might cause burns of the mouth and esophagus.
Leaking / Opened Alkaline batteries contain more corrosive and high alkalinity chemicals which can cause serious burns of the mouth, esophagus and gastrointestinal tract.
If battery or opened battery is ingested, do NOT induce vomiting and do NOT give food or drinks. Seek medical advice immediately
Why does my digital camera show that the battery is flat even though it is brand new?
Different batteries are manufactured for different purposes. As your digital camera is a high drain application, only Eveready rechargeable or alkaline batteries should be used in Digital cameras.
Zinc chloride batteries such as our Power Plus batteries, have many valuable uses. They are a cost effective option for torches, radios and other low drain appliances. In digital cameras however, they, like other zinc chloride batteries, do not supply enough power to be effective. The construction of zinc chloride and alkaline batteries are very different and therefore alkaline batteries can supply the energy for a high drain application where the zinc chloride battery cannot.
Eveready iconic brands are leaders in the South African FMCG battery, lighting and homeware markets and are rapidly developing an export presence across Africa and Middle East. And we are in the global renewable energy sector with our market leading microwind turbines.
Eveready, South Africa's dominant battery brand provides a full range of high quality products.