HOW WE CAN CONTRIBUTE TO BATTERY RECYCLING
(DIY COLLECTION BOXES INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED)

Regardless of where we are, we can either individually and/or engage people around us to recycle batteries. The responsibility of protecting our planet and making good use of resources lands on each and every one of us!.
The Teens Against E-waste (TAE) calls for a battery recycling action (1) to increase the awareness of the need to recycle batteries, and (2) to collect one million batteries as our collective contribution to protect the environment!
If you are interested in joining us, below are the suggested steps to make your battery collection process as easy as possible.
1. Research your area’s battery recycling
Checking out your area’s laws and regulations about recycling is incredibly important before you start collecting batteries. Different countries, states/provinces, and regions are likely to have different ways to sort the collected batteries and streamline them into the recycle process. In particular, we recommend finding any battery recycling centers near you, so you know where to send them after they are collected and counted. For example, Earth 911 is a great searching platform for recycling centers in North America. Secondarily, look for information on what types of batteries a recycle center accepts and whether there are specific safety instructions for a particular type of battery. For example, a leaking battery may need to be sealed in a plastic bag instead of getting mixed with others to reduce fire hazard. 9V batteries need to have terminals (top of batteries) taped to reduce fire hazard.
2. Collect boxes/containers
If you are planning a battery collection event in your school or at your community, collection boxes would come handy. In some regions, it is possible to ask for official battery collection bins from hazardous waste collection centers or recycling centres. Do not worry if official bins are not available. You can easily make your own using shipping boxes, shoeboxes, and any other cardboard boxes. This is a great way to reuse items that you don’t need anymore, and give them another life!
The Teens Against E-waste (TAE) calls for a battery recycling action (1) to increase the awareness of the need to recycle batteries, and (2) to collect one million batteries as our collective contribution to protect the environment!
If you are interested in joining us, below are the suggested steps to make your battery collection process as easy as possible.
1. Research your area’s battery recycling
Checking out your area’s laws and regulations about recycling is incredibly important before you start collecting batteries. Different countries, states/provinces, and regions are likely to have different ways to sort the collected batteries and streamline them into the recycle process. In particular, we recommend finding any battery recycling centers near you, so you know where to send them after they are collected and counted. For example, Earth 911 is a great searching platform for recycling centers in North America. Secondarily, look for information on what types of batteries a recycle center accepts and whether there are specific safety instructions for a particular type of battery. For example, a leaking battery may need to be sealed in a plastic bag instead of getting mixed with others to reduce fire hazard. 9V batteries need to have terminals (top of batteries) taped to reduce fire hazard.
2. Collect boxes/containers
If you are planning a battery collection event in your school or at your community, collection boxes would come handy. In some regions, it is possible to ask for official battery collection bins from hazardous waste collection centers or recycling centres. Do not worry if official bins are not available. You can easily make your own using shipping boxes, shoeboxes, and any other cardboard boxes. This is a great way to reuse items that you don’t need anymore, and give them another life!
3. Edit and print out flyers Below are two templates you can use/print with all the information about recycling provided on them. The third link is a link to a document you can print for the sides of the box.
LARGE POSTER TEMPLATE
SMALL POSTER TEMPLATE
1MB Logo Side Prints
All you have to do is to fill in your contact information on these templates. If you don’t use a phone, feel free to change the contact information to another way of communication (e.g., Email address). Additional information needs to be added if you are hosting a collection event. For example; location, time/dates, teacher supervisor, and potential prizes. If you would like to host an event, check out the article under Recent Events on this website as a guide.
4. Assemble your boxes Simply tape or glue your flyers on the boxes you have collected. Make sure they are visible so anyone walking by them can see.
LARGE POSTER TEMPLATE
SMALL POSTER TEMPLATE
1MB Logo Side Prints
All you have to do is to fill in your contact information on these templates. If you don’t use a phone, feel free to change the contact information to another way of communication (e.g., Email address). Additional information needs to be added if you are hosting a collection event. For example; location, time/dates, teacher supervisor, and potential prizes. If you would like to host an event, check out the article under Recent Events on this website as a guide.
4. Assemble your boxes Simply tape or glue your flyers on the boxes you have collected. Make sure they are visible so anyone walking by them can see.
5. Decide a location for your boxes Choose a location near you to place your boxes. We recommend an area that has a high density of people, for example, senior citizen homes, community centers, classrooms at school, and libraries. Make sure you have the owner of the building’s permission first, and ask them if they would like a battery collection box. You can also suggest to them to advertise the collection on their newsletters.
6. Count the number of batteries collected + Take Photos After your box is full, pick up the batteries inside. Sort and count how many you have collected! Send in the numbers to our website (add the One Million Batteries website here) and your collection will be added to the total. Don’t forget to take photos of your collection process, and submit them to the website as well! You are also welcome to submit your collection story to the website for publication.
7. Recycle your batteries Drive your batteries to a recycling center near you.
Thank you so much for your interest in this initiative! We hope this guide makes your battery collection process as easy as possible.
6. Count the number of batteries collected + Take Photos After your box is full, pick up the batteries inside. Sort and count how many you have collected! Send in the numbers to our website (add the One Million Batteries website here) and your collection will be added to the total. Don’t forget to take photos of your collection process, and submit them to the website as well! You are also welcome to submit your collection story to the website for publication.
7. Recycle your batteries Drive your batteries to a recycling center near you.
Thank you so much for your interest in this initiative! We hope this guide makes your battery collection process as easy as possible.
QUICK TEMPLATE TUTORIAL
Follow the links below and press "Use Template" to make a template. Then add any extra information!
LINKS
LARGE POSTER TEMPLATE
SMALL POSTER TEMPLATE
Written by Amelia Halverson