Thinking Green for Household,Hearing Aid and Implant Batteries -- Collection, Safe Disposal And
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| OPUS 2 and DaCapo Recharging System. Photo courtesy of MED-EL |
We all want to be good stewards of Planet Earth, right? And wouldn’t we like to save some of the other kind of green too – the kind that doesn’t grow on trees? Hearing aid and cochlear implant users can get greener both ways by making wise battery choices. Rechargeable batteries, which normally can be recharged hundreds of times before they ultimately run out of juice, promote both environmental and monetary green. Regardless of which batteries we use, when it’s time to dispose of them (sooner or later), it’s vital to know how and where we can dispose of and recycle batteries to have as little impact on the environment as possible.
First, let’s cover some battery basics. Rechargeable Batteries Lead-acid batteries are the oldest rechargeable technology, having been around for more than 150 years. They tend to be of significant size and are used to power motor vehicles and other large mechanisms.
Lithium-ion (Li-on) batteries are commonly used for portable household electronics. First introduced in 1991, they have become one of the most popular types of rechargeable batteries due to their slow loss of charge when not in use. They are used in some cochlear implant rechargeable systems. Advanced Bionics, Cochlear Americas and MED-EL each offer device-specific rechargeable Li-on
batteries/battery packs and chargers for their behind-the-ear sound processors.
Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries have been the mainstay rechargeable for years but now they are being edged out by newer technology. NiCds are most commonly used in cameras, cell phones, PDAs, laptop computers, medical devices and rechargeable appliances. Manufacturers of NiCd rechargeable batteries include American Toppower, Saft and Sanyo.
Nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries are now the preferred rechargeable because they last almost twice as long between charges and they contain no toxic metals that require special disposal. However, their rechargeable life expectancy seems to be inferior to that of NiCd batteries. Also, NiMH batteries must be recharged before they drain completely and can be ruined by overcharging, if the charger does not automatically shut off.
Cochlear Americas offers AAA NiMH rechargeable batteries and a charger for use with their body-worn sound processors. Advanced Bionics and MED-EL bodyworn sound processors take rechargeable AA NiMH batteries. Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic, Rayovac and Varta Microbattery make NiMH batteries in AAA, AA, C, D and 9-volt for common household uses.
Two disadvantages to both NiCd and NiMH batteries are that they put out less voltage than alkalines (1.2V instead of 1.5 V) and even if not in use, they discharge over a period of a couple of months. For this reason, they are not a good choice for assistive technologies that might require use in emergencies.
Nickel-zinc (NiZn) batteries contain no heavy toxic metals such as mercury, lead or cadmium. Touted as the next generation of rechargeable batteries, they are commonly used in cordless telephones, among other things. Currently, the consumer availability of this battery technology is limited to AA cells offered for the digital camera market.
Reusable alkaline batteries have been in commercial use more than 10 years, although they have yet to gain popularity. Unfortunately, not all devices can accept rechargeable batteries and sometimes convenience demands that we press a nonrechargeable battery into service, such as when no fully charged rechargeables are available. Following are the types of nonrechargeables widely available.
ONE-TIME USE BATTERIES
Alkaline batteries are by far the most popular type of household battery, combining low cost, reasonably high output and long shelf life. Popularized by common name brands such as Duracell, Energizer and Rayovac, they are widely available to the consumer.
Lithium batteries use lithium metal or compounds and are widely used in consumer electronics such as cameras, calculators, computers, clocks and watches. Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic, Rayovac,
Saft, Sanyo and Varta Microbattery, among others, manufacture a variety of lithium batteries.
Mercury batteries were banned in 1996 due to the toxicity of mercury, though an allowance was granted of up to 25mg of mercury per button cell (i.e., hearing aid, watch and calculator batteries). The National Electrical Manufacturers Association announced the battery industry’s commitment to eliminate mercury in button cells by 2011.
Silver-oxide batteries were patented by Rayovac in 1971 and are still widely used today in watches, cameras and calculators. Although once found in many high-power hearing aids, this application has declined over the years due to the increasing costs of silver; the introduction of high-power zinc-air batteries; and increasing numbers of consumers with severe to profound hearing loss opting for cochlear implantation. Silver oxide batteries continue to be used in specialty applications and are available from manufacturers including Duracell, Energizer, Rayovac, Panasonic and Varta Microbattery.
Zinc-air (ZA) batteries virtually replaced mercury batteries for hearing aid use soon after their introduction in the late 1970s. Since they last twice as long as mercury batteries, are environmentally friendly and cost less than half as much, they were a welcome solution for most
hearing aid users. Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic, Rayovac, Renata, Varta Microbattery and ZeniPower manufacture zinc-air hearing aid button cells in size 10, 312, 13 and 675. Energizer, Rayovac, Varta Microbattery and ZeniPower manufacture a higher-powered button zinc-air battery (675P) designed specifically for cochlear implant users.
Although most zinc-air batteries have a small amount of mercury in them, some manufacturers have been successful in developing mercury-free cells (see “Doing Their Part” on p. 37).
SAFE HANDLING OF GENERAL, ONE-TIME USE BATTERIES
As many batteries do contain pollutants such as mercury and lead, it’s vital for both consumer safety and the health of the environment to store and dispose of nonrechargeable batteries properly, using these guidelines:
• Keep batteries in their protective pack to minimize the risk of short circuiting.
• Keep out of the reach of animals and small children.
• Store fresh batteries at room temperature in a dry place, not in the refrigerator.
• Used batteries should have at least one terminal insulated prior to storage in a nonmetal and leak-proof container in a dry, well-ventilated environment.
• Use rubber gloves on batteries that are leaking liquid, have a powdery white substance on the surface or emit a strong odor.
• Place each battery individually in a small plastic bag before disposing or storing to minimize risk of igniting.
• Keep battery away from fire or other sources of extreme heat, which may result in an explosion.
PRECAUTIONS FOR ONETIME USE BUTTON CELLS
• Don’t remove the color-coded tabs until ready for use.
• Don’t carry loose batteries in your pockets or purse.
• Keep loose batteries in a battery holder to prevent contact with metal objects.
• Open the door of your hearing aid/ implant when not in use to minimize battery drain.
• Store hearing aids in a dry place when not in use to prevent moisture exposure.
RECYCLING
While rechargeable batteries are environmentally friendlier than their nonrechargeable counterparts, they also require extra care in disposing of them. The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC, www.rbrc.org),a nonprofit, public service organization funded by rechargeable product and battery manufacturers, reclaims the metals within old batteries to make new products. RBRC’s Call2Recycle program offers a convenient, no-cost and environmentally sound way to recycle rechargeable batteries and cell phones. Call2Recycle provides prepaid, preaddressed, preassembled collection boxes and plastic bags in which to place rechargeable batteries and cell phones.
The small, dry-cell rechargeable batteries eligible for collection and recycling in the Call2Recycle program are lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, nickelmetal-hydride and nickel-zinc. Batteries excluded from the program are any kind of nonrechargeable battery, including alkaline and lithium. RBRC does not accept household cordless phones, mobile installed or bag phones, two-way radios or pagers for recycling. For questions about recycling rechargeable batteries or cell phones through RBRC‘s Call2Recycle program, call 877.723.1297x250, e-mail rbrc@rbrc.com or visit www.call2recycle.org.
In addition to RBRC’s program, RadioShack is part of a national program called Charge Up to Recycle, allowing customers to drop off used rechargeable batteries at any Radio Shack nationwide. Visit www.radioshack.com to find the store nearest you. It’s an easy way to protect our environment and conserve Earth’s natural resources. By recycling the batteries from your cordless or wireless phone, laptop, camcorder or power tools, materials can be reclaimed to make stainless steel products and new batteries.
DOING THEIR PART: GREEN PRODUCTS AND PRACTICES
BY KAREN APPOLD, STAFF WRITER
A consumer committed to good-earth stewardship needs the cooperation of concerned manufacturers to truly make a positive impact on the environment. Battery consumers have willing partners in several major battery manufacturers who are not only developing products that are more environmentally friendly, but also are implementing green business practices.
Well ahead of the 2011 goal that the industry set for making all hearing aid batteries mercury-free, several battery manufacturers now have mercury-free products on the market. Earlier this year, Rayovac began shipping mercury-free hearing aid batteries. They last 30 percent longer than other mercury-free hearing aid batteries and performance is similar to that of a mercury-containing product. Duracell also offers a mercury-free product option for hearing aids, available at Wal-Mart since January 2009.
Energizer launched its new zero-mercury hearing aid batteries in October 2008. Yet, their big news involves another dangerous pollutant: lead. Through a combination of design, purer raw materials and new manufacturing processes, Energizer has developed batteries that can now be produced without added lead and without sacrificing performance. Energizer’s low-lead hearing aid battery contains only 12 to 15 parts of lead per million, compared to competitors who use up to 250 parts of lead per million.
Rechargeable battery technology has shown recent improvements as well. Advanced Bionics, the fi rst to sell cochlear implant rechargeable batteries when they were approved by the FDA in 1996, now offers its fifthgeneration proprietary PowerCel™ batteries: large power capacity in a small package. And in a commitment to environmentally sound practices, the Advanced Bionics Harmony™ HiResolution® Bionic Ear System only works with rechargeable batteries.
Varta Microbattery, with its Power One line, is the first manufacturer to introduce a full range of mercury-free rechargeable hearing aid batteries and portable charging solutions suitable for all digital and analog hearing instruments. Power One’s Innovation Plus has nanotechnology that considerably extends battery life compared to previous versions.
It’s not just the batteries themselves that have become greener; packaging and practices make for a compounded positive effect on the environment. More than 97 percent of Duracell’s alkaline batteries in the U.S. are packaged in 100 percent recycled card stock and all of the outer cartons are 100 percent recycled card. Additionally, Duracell’s energy-efficient manufacturing processes have resulted in a 15 to 20 percent reduction in energy use over the past eight years.
Rayovac’s Portage, Wis., and United Kingdom production facilities are ISO14001 certified, meeting international standards for controlling and improving their environmental performance and sustainability. Rayovac, with plants on two continents, is uniquely positioned to support global customers, minimizing its carbon footprint. Additionally, its packaging materials are made from recycled and recyclable materials.
Advanced Bionics recently moved into a new green building in Valencia, Calif., that is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certifi ed, a process overseen by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Finally, Duracell, Panasonic and Varta Microbattery are licensees of the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), actively demonstrating their commitment to the preservation of the environment by voluntarily funding the RBRC’s Call2Recycle program. Additionally, Panasonic and Varta Microbattery have representatives on the RBRC board of directors.
POWER-PACKED COCHLEAR IMPLANT BATTERIES
MED-EL has received approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its new rechargeable DaCapo battery and charging system, developed for the MED-EL OPUS 1, OPUS 2 and TEMPO+ speech processors for cochlear implants. MED-EL speech processors continue to be the lightest and slimmest available. The DaCapo system additionally reduces the weight by another 20 percent without limiting performance.
DaCapo is an environmentally friendly, convenient alternative to existing battery options. The system is shipped with a charging unit and three PowerPacks, rechargeable batteries each lasting for 10 to 12 hours. It is compatible with most FM systems and other external hearing devices. DaCapo is available in six frame colors for a perfect match with existing MED-EL speech processor colors. Visit www.MEDEL.com.
YOUR OLD HEARING AID – ANOTHER MAN’S TREASURE
Ready for a new hearing aid? Don’t toss that old one in the landfill; one man’s trash can be another man’s treasure when it comes to hearing aids. Inquire with one of the worthy causes below to give your hearing aid a second life with a new owner.
Local Delta Zeta Sorority chapters collect used hearing aids for recycling through the Starkey Hearing Foundation. To find a local Delta Zeta chapter, visit www.deltazeta.org or call 513.523.7597.
The Lions Clubs Hearing Aid Recycling Program (HARP) is an international program to promote the collection, refurbishment and distribution of hearing aids. To find a local participating Lion’s Club chapter, visit www.lionsclubs.org or call 630.571.5466.
The Sertoma Hearing Aid Recycling Program (SHARP) helps needy people obtain hearing aids. Clubs collect used hearing aids, have them refurbished and distribute them to people in need. In cases where an individual cannot afford to buy a hearing aid, a club can raise the funds needed to purchase the aid (or to repair one). To find a local participating Sertoma Club, visit www.sertoma.org or call 816.333.8300.
Service organizations or individuals who want to donate hearing aids should contact the Starkey Hearing Foundation (www.sotheworldmayhear.org, 800.328.8602x2432) or send aids directly in a padded envelope or box to: 6700 Washington Ave. South, Eden Prairie, MN 55344. Include a name and address to which the foundation can return a letter acknowledging the donation for tax purposes.
Nannette Nicholson, Ph.D., is an associate professor and the director of audiology in the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology with a joint faculty appointment at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and a clinical staff appointment at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Contact her by e-mail: NN@uams.edu .
Dawn Taylor, M.S., is an Au.D. graduate student at the University of Bloomsburg, Pa.
The authors would like to express their thanks to Ashley DeLaune, an Au.D. graduate student at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences for her assistance with this article.
