Sustainable Development: Frequently Asked Questions

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1. How does Energizer “make a difference” in local communities?

   Beyond our physical plants, we govern our partnerships with a Code of Conduct which outlines Energizer Holdings’ expectations for environmental, labor and supplier working conditions and ethical practices that all suppliers must meet in order to do business with Energizer.

   As part of the local communities in which we operate, the Energizer Charitable Trust contributes to social causes, our colleagues spend time volunteering and we provide batteries and flashlights to relief efforts around the world.

2. After a battery dies, what’s left inside?

   The materials remaining in spent batteries are essentially the same as those used in their production – typically, common metals such as zinc, manganese and iron. These metals are found in many products you have in your home, such as vitamin supplements and zinc oxide (used for sun protection and diaper rash).

   These metals are placed in a steel can and sealed to produce a battery. When the battery is inserted into a device, the metals react with oxygen to produce energy. What is left when the battery dies is the steel can and an oxide. The type of oxide depends on the initial metal used to power the cell. While you may not be familiar with the term “oxide,” you are certainly familiar with one of the most common forms of it – iron oxide, more commonly known as rust.

3. Can batteries be recycled?

   Technically, yes. However, unlike paper or aluminum recycling programs, which generate “recycled” paper or aluminum to be used again – greatly reducing impact on the environment – the materials recovered from recycled batteries cannot be re-used to make new batteries.

   In addition, numerous studies by third-party and government agencies have shown that the environmental benefits of keeping the batteries out of landfills would be exceeded by the environmental costs associated with the energy used to collect, transport, recover and reconstitute the salvageable material for aftermarket use.

   Finally, because even drained batteries contain residual amounts of energy, the collection of large quantities of loose, unpackaged batteries of varying sizes and chemistries can pose a potential fire hazard, due to the possibility of short circuiting and heat generation.

4. Why don’t you offer a recycling program for alkaline batteries?

   We know that this is a pressing issue for many of our consumers, and we continue to invest in and carefully monitor research efforts designed to develop household battery recycling.

   But as stated in the previous question, unlike paper or aluminum recycling programs, which generate “recycled” paper or aluminum that can be used again, the materials recovered from recycled batteries cannot be re-used to make new batteries, and the energy used to collect, transport, and reconstitute the salvageable material actually results in a negative net impact on the environment.

   However, we are firmly committed to exploring new ideas and emerging technologies that may offer solutions to these issues, and we continue to invest resources in the hopes of finding such a solution. You can be assured that when recycling technology advances so that it is environmentally beneficial, Energizer will lead the way in bringing this to consumers around the world.

5. I live in California, and we have a ban on putting used batteries in the trash. What should I do?

   Start by identifying the type of battery you have. If you have rechargeable batteries for disposal, the best bet is to utilize the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation’s www.rbrc.org. They can tell you where to recycle used rechargeable batteries on their web site. Additionally, local retailers of rechargeable batteries in California are required to offer RBRC collection boxes and free, safe disposal of these battery types through the RBRC system.

   If you have alkaline batteries such as Energizer® MAX®, or lithium batteries such as Energizer® Ultimate Lithium or Energizer® Advanced Lithium, you should contact your local waste managementdepartment to get information on the options your municipality provides for the recovery of these types of batteries.

6. Does Playtex Offer BPA-Free Products?

   Playtex is the leader in infant care and wants to address the growing public confusion about plastics used in baby bottles. Playtex offers a broad selection of BPA-free infant bottles, pacifiers and cups. Please visit Playtex's Baby Care section for more information about the materials used in our infant feeding and soothing products.