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Hearing aid batteries - FAQ
I notice a wheelie bin logo on my pack of zinc air hearing aid batteries, where should I dispose of them?
Dear David,
Following on our conversation about the disposal of hearing aids batteries, I have inserted an email from our marketing manager, this was an answer to the same question you asked and goes into some depth. As I explained in our telephone conversation the reason behind the crossed out wheelie bin symbol is because the card produced is distributed throughout many different countries including Holland and Germany that do currently have battery recycling programmes. When you read further the email explains that although the UK does not at present have a recycling programme it will be bound by EU law to create one. This will have to be done within the stated period of time and all EU member states will have to conform to new guidelines within expected time allowed.
Best Regards
Rob Metcalf, Rayovac Batteries
It was a pleasure to speak to you yesterday and I am pleased to come back on the various points we discussed regarding Hearing Aid Batteries.
As a current user of hearing aid batteries you said you were concerned about the mercury content of the battery. The Hearing Aid Battery chemistry is “Zinc Air” and if you follow the attached link to our website you will see the materials data safety sheet which gives you the break down of the contents.
Rayovac website page then click on the “Material Data Safety Sheet in the bottom right hand corner and you can down load it
As you will see the Zinc Air does contain small amounts of mercury amalgamated with the zinc anode to prevent internal discharge and gassing, both of which would present serious leakage issues. Lead is also added at still yet lower levels for the same purpose of eliminating the possibility of leakage and improving the overall performance of the hearing aid. Leakage would shorten battery life and cause damage to the device in which the battery was installed, and could potentially expose the user to problems.
Zinc air batteries are a singular enabler of hearing aid function. No other battery type has the required energy density and discharge capability to effectively power a hearing aid. Thus, there are no viable substitutes for zinc air batteries with their necessary use of heavy metals.
The use of heavy metals in zinc air hearing aid batteries make the product efficient, reliable, and safe for consumers.
As an environmentally aware organisation we do have long term projects with the aim of eliminating this very small amount of heavy metal; however this could be a few years off as research and development takes time.
On your second point regarding the fact the packaging does not say “Zinc Air” we will discuss with the NHS and ask if we can add “Zinc Air” to the reverse of the packaging to make it more clear that the main chemistry is “Zinc Air”. Hopefully we will be able to add this later this year.
Lastly I also eluded to a coming piece of European Battery Legislation which will harmonise all battery collection and recycling across Europe. Member states have about 2 years to transpose the Directive into domestic law and then 6 years before the collection and recycling targets come into effect. This would then eliminate the confusion and mean there is one policy across Europe.
If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
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