If not disposed of correctly they can leech Mercury into the environment this, through a process of oxidation, is absorbed or taken in by fish and shell fish and poisons them, It then poisons the birds and animals (e.g. Humans) that eat those animals
http://www.environment.gov.au/atmosphere/airquality/publications/sok/mercury.html
more there and around the place if you look hard
Batteries can contain some toxic metals as lead, cadmium, mercury, etc.
Because mercury is widely beleived to be extremely poisonous and dangerous to the environment these days, and if batteries leaked, it would be too dangerous so governments have banned their use.
Mercury itself is very poisonous. It collects in meat and tissue, as well, so mercury can carry over from anything that has consumed it. Fish are known for leading to mercury poisoning.
Harmful elements found in batteries include lead, cadmium, mercury, and lithium. These elements can be toxic to humans and the environment if batteries are not disposed of properly. Recycling batteries is important to minimize the impact of these harmful elements on the environment.
Batteries are in Class 9, Miscellaneous Materials
No, modern batteries do not contain mercury. Mercury is a toxic material and is no longer used in most consumer batteries due to environmental and health concerns.
if they get breached the chemicals in them will poison the environment
Batteries should be recycled because they contain metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury that can be harmful to the environment if disposed of improperly. Recycling batteries helps prevent groundwater and soil contamination, reduces the need for raw materials, and conserves energy.
Rayovac batteries are an industry leader. They yield more working hours in electronics and toys. The company boasts an expansive line of batteries ranging from alkaline batteries to mercury free hearing aid batteries. The company offers several types of rechargeable batteries as part of their commitment to the environment.
Batteries have toxic, which can harm the environment
Batteries comprise of many toxic chemicals and elements such as lead, mercury & cadmium. If not properly disposed, these elements enter the environment and accumulate over generations causing disease, defects and poisoning.
Some batteries do contain mercury but only specialised ones.