Are Alkaline Batteries Toxic?

         This black sand-like substance is what is left of our alkaline batteries after the crushing process... completely safe to the touch!

       The thought of alkaline batteries being toxic stems from a place of truth, but is no longer accurate when referring to those used and manufactured in the present day. In the past, Alkaline batteries contained mercury, a toxic chemical, and were considered by the EPA to be hazardous waste. After the passing of the Battery Act in 1996, however, mercury is no longer an ingredient in the battery-making process, and thus Alkaline batteries are considered non-toxic by the EPA.