Most button cells in use today are non-rechargeable and are found in medical implants, watches, kitchen scales, hearing aids, car keys and memory backup. Button cell batteries typically have a very long battery life and a low self-discharge rate.
Button cell batteries are single cell batteries and there are 3 main chemistry types: lithium, silver and alkaline manganese. Materials in batteries can include: zinc, lithium, mercury, manganese dioxide, silver oxide, carbon monofluoride, cupric oxide or oxygen from the air.
Button cell batteries are highly recyclable and should never ever go into landfill. Collect your used batteries in a box or container in the kitchen or living area. Make sure the container is sealed and stored out of reach of children. Once the box is fill, take it to your nearest recycling location.
It's easy to recycle batteries and Battery recycling programs and initiatives are available at places like Officeworks, Aldi, Battery World and Ikea.
Find your nearest recycling location.
Button cell batteries are single cell batteries and there are four main types: lithium, silver, mercury and alkaline manganese.
The way the battery works depends on how which type it is and the job it is required to do.
Be extremely careful of button cell batteries with toddlers and babies. They are potentially lethal and if swallowed, the child should be taken immediately to hospital.
ACCC have issues a safety warning notice for button cell batteries, citing, “Button batteries burn through soft tissue in as little as two hours and continue to pose a severe injury risk for children." There have been around 70 known deaths globally from children swallowing button cell batteries.