Improperly disposed batteries started 65% of the fires at this California landfill. 

But toxic explosions in places where people work aren't the only danger from tossing batteries. Despite all the amazing power and benefits, when we're done with them, they can wreak havoc too.

That's why you need to recycle your used batteries. Here's why.

1. Prevent Toxic Chemical Leaks 

Before the 1990s, the government didn't regulate the battery industry, even though they've been around since the late 1800s. And some weird and dangerous chemicals, like mercury and lead, were used in everyday batteries. 

Today, alkaline single-use batteries no longer contain mercury, so most states are fine if you toss them out. But even still, they still have precious metals that can be used again if you opt to recycle instead. 

But other batteries, like car batteries, still contain lead and other harmful chemicals. As weather beats down on these batteries, the toxins leak into the surrounding environment. 

They can end up in our water, our soil, our air, and even our food chain if they're improperly disposed of. 

2. Prevent Landfill Fires and Explosions

Remember the Note 7 that would spontaneously explode? That was an issue with the lithium-ion battery. Despite being incredibly powerful, the lithium-ion battery has some rather explosive tendencies. 

Especially if it's overheated, or crushed, or just decays in a weird way that allows the elements in the battery to break down and mix in ways they shouldn't. 

When lithium-ion batteries break down like this, they can cause fires, and explode. And if there's a lot of them together, it can wreak real havoc. 

Landfill fires burn things that shouldn't be burned, releasing toxins into the air. Along with nearby communities, this puts the sanitation management people who work at the landfill in immediate risk.

This is a group of workers who already inherit more on the job risk than their fair share. They work to maintain clean, sanitized environments for the rest of us. This keeps disease from spreading, while they're directly at risk.

3. It's the Law 

22 states have laws that mandate battery recycling, with California creating the most strict examples. Different states have different regulations, so do your research and learn what the laws require where you live. 

But even if there aren't laws in place, it's your responsibility as a member of your community to do what you can to protect your environment and the sanitation workers who help keep it a safe place. 

You Must Recycle Your Used Batteries 

Whether there are laws in your state that regulate battery recycling, you need to recycle your used batteries. Refusing to do so damages the valuable ecosystems around us, and puts the health and well-being of the people who protect us on the line. 

It's not hard to recycle batteries. Many major box stores have programs in place to make it easy. Do your part, because you have no excuse not to. 

If your battery is always dead, it's a sure sign it's at the end of its life. You can see new cell phone batteries here. Just make sure you recycle your old one!