RECYCLING OF BATTERIES

What about the recycling of batteries?

The Region of Crete, in cooperation with AFIS SA and the Municipalities, in the framework of the aforementioned LIFE ENVIRONMENT Program, has designed and implemented a pilot program for the separate collection and recycling of batteries which are produced, handled or used in Crete. The program aims at the design and operation of separate collection and recycling system in Crete, in order to minimize the amount of hazardous waste ending up in landfills and to inform the public on issues regarding the recycling of hazardous waste.

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What should I do

Participation also in this system is simple and easy:
Special collection bins for batteries have been installed at the main selling points of batteries in Crete (super markets, electronic shops, etc.), as also at selected points all over the island (schools, Public Administration buildings, etc.). The steps that one has to follow are:

USEFUL TIPS FOR THE PROPER USE OF BATTERIES

RIGHT
1. Use as much as possible rechargeable batteries.
2. Discard used batteries in the nearest special recycling bins.
3. Always remove batteries from the devices you intend to store, since there is leakage hazard, which can thus destroy your device.
4. Always remove batteries from destroyed devices, watches, PCs, games, which you intend to throw away, and discard the batteries in the special recycling bins.
5. Always buy the exact number of batteries you need each time and not more, since the life duration of the batteries is limited.
6. Clean thoroughly the contact points when placing the batteries, in order to avoid waste of energy.
7. Always follow the battery charging instructions provided by the manufacturer, both for the first and for every following charge. This will assist to achieve optimum performance of the battery.
8. Always allow batteries to reduce their temperature in room temperature before recharging them. Charging efficiency is dramatically reduced at high temperature conditions.
9. Recharge the batteries when these are almost totally discharged.
10. Discard rechargeable batteries in the special recycling bins, when these cannot be recharged any more.
WRONG
1. Do not mix used batteries with new ones in the same device, because this reduces life expectancy of the new batteries.
2. Do not attempt to charge a battery, which is not rechargeable.
3. Do not place batteries, or devices containing batteries in places where overheating can be caused. Heat accelerates chemical reactions and will thus reduce life expectancy of the battery.
4. Do not place batteries together with metal objects, such as keys or coins, because this can cause a short circuit.
5. Do not throw or sink batteries in water.
6. Do not place batteries the wrong way in devices or chargers, as far as polarity is concerned.
7. Do not mix various types of batteries and do not place common batteries together with rechargeable ones in the same device. The device can be destroyed, the life expectancy of the batteries can be reduced and there is also a danger of explosion.
8. Do not throw away devices or objects containing batteries. Remove the batteries first and then discard them in the special recycling bins.
9. Never throw batteries to the fire.
10. Never leave batteries inside a device, when these are fully discharged.