The Silicon Valley International School (INTL) Branch of the Teens Against E-waste (TAE) is located in Palo Alto and Menlo Park, California, USA. Our goal is to raise awareness of e-waste and and to call for actions to reduce, reuse, recyle among teens. 

According to an article from the UN Environment Programme,  the world produces about 50 million tonnes of e-waste a year, with only 20% of it formally recycled. The other 80% of this waste is then ending up in landfills or informally recycled. 

Our Branch is located in Silicon Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, which has the largest concentration of high-tech companies in the United States and is home to a vibrant, growing electronics industry. With our specific location in mind, the Silicon Valley INTL Branch was founded in February 2022, the first TAE branch in the Bay Area, to raise awareness and take action in this technology hotspot.

WHY – battery recycling

Batteries are considered hazardous because they can contain metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, nickel and silver, which can pose a threat to human health or the environment when improperly managed at the end of their service life. Some batteries may also contain materials such as cobalt, lithium and graphite that are considered critical minerals by the United States Geological Survey. Consequently, every effort should be made to recycle and recover these materials.

WHAT – common types of household batteries

Common household batteries include single-use and rechargeable. Common single-use batteries include alkaline batteries (9Volt, AA, AAA, C, D) that can be found in alarm clocks, flashlights, remote control, etc.; as well as lithium single-use and button cells commonly used in watches, hearing aids, smoke detectors, etc. Typical rechargeable batteries include lithium-ion batteries used in portable devices (such as smartphones and tablets), as well as Nickel–metal hydride battery that can be used as a substitute for similarly shaped non-rechargeable alkaline batteries. 

HOW - safe handling and recycling 

According to US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and California Santa Clara County Fire Department, when storing used household batteries, it is recommended to tape their positive (+) terminal using non-conductive tape such as electrical tape or clear packing tape, and put them in ziplock bags. Exercise caution and use personal protection gear when handling damaged batteries. When uncertain, it is always good to contact your local recycling center for proper disposal and recycling guidelines.  

Learn more:

https://www.epa.gov/recycle/used-household-batteries

https://www.sccfd.org/request-a-program/20-accordion-disposal-of-hazardous-waste

https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/how-to-dispose-of-batteries/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90124a115f1

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkaline_battery 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_battery 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium-ion_battery 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel–metal_hydride_battery   

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_battery