Batteries
Lithium miniature batteries contain no intentionally-added mercury. However, small amounts of mercury are still added to most zinc air, alkaline and
Today the only types of batteries in the United States that contain mercury are button cell batteries and mercuric oxide batteries. The Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act of 1996 prohibits the use of mercury in all other types of batteries.
Alkaline batteries typically do not contain mercury anymore due to regulatory changes. The Battery Act of 1996 restricted mercury in these batteries, leading to safer designs. – Lithium batteries are recyclable, and their components can be repurposed.
They are used in small portable electronic devices such as watches, cameras, digital thermometers, calculators, and toys. Zinc air, alkaline, and silver oxide button cell batteries contain small amounts of mercury. These batteries do not pose a health risk when in use since the chances of the mercury leaking out are small.
[Updated On: October 2025] Lithium Batteries: Are They Mercury-Free and Environmentally Safe? Lithium batteries do not contain added mercury. This feature makes them environmentally friendly. However, some batteries, such as zinc air, alkaline, and silver oxide, may have trace mercury to manage internal gas formation and leakage prevention.
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