Precious metal in alkine batteries?

[hobo finds]

I don't think so...


http://cgi.ebay.com/Scrap-Alkaline-batt ... 2451162230

[Robarons]

Silver Oxide Batteries have silver in them- I mostly see these in 'button' type batteries meant for watches and calculators but that about it.

But Alkaline batteries? No. Its interesting because silver and gold are the best two elements for batteries but their cost makes them too expensive- even for hybrid cards and the like!

[Dr. Cadmium]

That one's been listed several times. Big surprise - no bids.

Not only do standard household batteries not have any precious metals in them, they cost more to recycle than the recovered materials are worth. However, it's possible that with high metal prices some company has figured out a way to turn a profit with them.

This goes for most alkaline, zinc carbon, and "lithium" batteries (the non-rechargeable type used in cameras).

I have seen want ads for large quantities of alkaline button cells, so apparently they have some value.

[cesariojpn]

I have seen want ads for large quantities of alkaline button cells, so apparently they have some value.

Certain batteries are coveted for ingredients that are used in the making of Crystal Meth. Lithium batteries are the biggie, used in the "Nagai Method" of making Meth.

[Dr. Cadmium]

Alkaline batteries do not contain lithium, so they're not being used for that purpose.

Also, it's harder to extract clean useable lithium from used batteries - those using them for the said illegal purpose want unused ones.