AA Alkaline Battery

Compliance Information pursuant to European Regulation (EU) 2023/1542

General Information:

Battery Type:	Alkaline zinc-manganese dioxide
Battery Category:	Portable, non-rechargeable
Battery Brand:	P+
Battery Size:	LR6 AA 1.5V
Distributed By:	Monarch Instrument 15 Columbia Drive, Amherst, NH 03031 USA TEL: 603-883-3390 • Email: compliance@monarchinstrument.com https://www.monarchinstrument.com
Battery Manufacturer:	Ningbo GP & Sonluk Battery Co., Ltd. No.600 Qingfeng Road, Cicheng Town, Jiangbei District, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China TEL: +86 574 87910000 https://en.sonluk.com/
Place of Manufacture:	Made in China unless specified otherwise on battery
Date of Manufacture:	5 years prior to expiry date code marked on negative end of battery (date code = YYYY-MM or MM-YYYY depending on whether battery is considered domestic or export)
Weight:	~23.1 g
Capacity:	~ 2900mAh (10mA, 24h/d, 20°C, e.v.= 0.8V)
Chemistry:	Zn/KOH-H2O/MnO2
Hazardous Substance Present in the Battery:	This battery contains potassium hydroxide solution (KOH) and other combustible materials sealed in a steel can
Extinguishing Agent:	In case of fire, it is permissible to use any class of extinguishing medium on these batteries or their packing material.
Critical raw materials present in the battery in a concentration of more than 0.1 % weight by weight:	Manganese Dioxide (MnO2) – 42.6% Zinc (Zn) – 16.1% Graphite – 3.0% Nickel (Ni-plating) – 0.3%
Battery Life:	PT99 – 60 continuous hours typical PLT200 – 30 continuous hours typical EXAMINER 1000 – 20 continuous hours without headphones

EU Declaration of Conformity: 

EU Declaration of Conformity for Alkaline AA Battery

Prevention and Management of Waste Batteries:

In accordance with European Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, commonly known as the Batteries Regulation, Article 74, the sections below focus on the prevention and management of waste batteries outlining key measures to ensure sustainable practices by informing end users how to contribute to waste prevention including collection, disposal, safety, and environmental impact.

1. Role of end-users in contributing to waste prevention:
End users play an important role in preventing waste from batteries. By extending battery life through proper care, repurposing batteries if possible, and properly disposing of used batteries at designated collection points, users help reduce environmental impact and conserve resources.

a. Ways to extend battery life (waste prevention):

• Store unused batteries in cool, dry places, avoiding extreme heat or freezing.
• This specific battery is non-rechargeable; never attempt to recharge.
• Remove batteries from devices if they are not going to be used for extended periods of time.
• Make sure the polarities are correct when installing batteries in product.
• Do not short-circuit batteries.
• Do not mix old and new batteries or batteries of different types or brands.
• Switch from single use to rechargeable batteries whenever possible.

b. Proper Disposal and Recycling:

• End-users must discard their waste batteries separately from other waste streams making sure they are not mixed with municipal waste or other waste streams.  Never place batteries in regular household trash or recycling bins.
• Waste batteries should be discarded in designated separate collection points set up in the country of use. Utilize specialized recycling locations or local hazardous waste facilities.
• Before recycling used batteries, make sure to cover the (+) and (-) terminals with friction tape or some other insulator to prevent contact with other metals which could lead to distortion, leakage, overheating, or explosion.
• Alkaline batteries are not considered dangerous goods but make sure to follow local regulations for packaging and transportation.

c) Reuse and Information:

• Before discarding, check the remaining charge and consider if a battery can be used in a lower-power device.
• Learn more about the importance of preventing battery waste by consulting your local compliance regulatory body (i.e. CDCNPA in Italy) or Producer Responsibility Organization (i.e. European Recycling Program-ERP). 

2. Role of end-users in contributing to the separate collection of waste batteries:

• End users are obligated to collect and dispose of used batteries separately from other types of waste, such as household waste. 
• Remove used batteries from the product and ensure they are properly recycled separately, rather than disposing of the entire device as a whole.

3. Collection and disposal of waste batteries:

• Separate collection enables proper treatment, recycling, and recovery of valuable materials and prevents environmental pollution.
• Use local return and collection points established for this purpose, e.g. at retail outlets, at treatment plants for old electrical appliances, at municipal collection points or via specially set up return and collection systems.
• Search online for a list of local battery recyclers or consult your municipal collection point or national collection scheme.

4. Safety instructions for handling waste batteries:

Waste batteries should be handled with care.  End-users should:

• Avoid crushing, puncturing, or dismantling batteries;
• Prevent short-circuiting by covering battery terminals;
• Never expose to heat or open flame;
• Store waste batteries in a cool, dry place prior to collection.

If a battery leaks, wear gloves and clean the area thoroughly. If skin or eye contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention if necessary.

5. Meaning of the labels and symbols on batteries:

Labels and symbols on batteries, packaging, or accompanying documents provide important information. End-users should consult these labels and symbols to understand proper use, handling, and disposal requirements.

6. Impact of batteries on the environment, human health, and safety:

Batteries may contain substances that can be hazardous to human health, safety, and the environment if released. Improper disposal—such as littering or discarding batteries in unsorted municipal waste—can lead to soil and water contamination, fire hazards, and risks to people and wildlife.

a) Health hazards:

Alkaline batteries pose health hazards primarily through leakage, ingestion, or damage.  Examples of health hazards include:

• Caustic Burns (Liquefactive Necrosis): The internal contents (potassium hydroxide) can cause immediate chemical burns and deep tissue damage upon contact with skin, eyes, or internal tissues.
• Ingestion Hazard: Swallowing broken or leaking batteries can cause severe mouth, throat, and intestinal burns.
• Respiratory Irritation: Inhaling fumes from heated or damaged batteries can cause respiratory irritation.
• Eye Contact: Leakage can cause severe eye burns and potential damage.
• Heavy Metal Toxicity: While modern alkaline batteries have reduced mercury, they can still contain trace amounts of heavy metals like zinc and manganese, which can be harmful if they come into contact with the skin or if vapors are inhaled.

b) Physical hazards

Alkaline batteries pose physical hazards primarily through chemical leakage, explosion, or fire when abused, damaged, or disposed of incorrectly.  Examples of physical hazards include:

• Corrosive Electrolyte Leakage: Electrolyte (Potassium Hydroxide) can leak from mistreated or over-discharged batteries, causing skin irritation, tissue burns, and eye damage.
• Fire/Explosion Risk: Heating, placing in fire, or incorrect disposal can cause batteries to explode.
• Short Circuits: Stacking, loose storage in pockets, terminals coming in contact with each other, or contact with metal objects (keys, coins) can create short circuits, leading to heat generation, overheating, and potential fire.
• Physical Abuse/Mechanical Damage: Crushing, puncturing, or trying to disassemble batteries can release internal electrolyte materials.
• Improper Charging: Attempting to recharge non-rechargeable alkaline batteries can cause the battery to heat up, leak, or rupture.

c) Environmental hazards:

Alkaline batteries pose environmental hazards primarily through landfill contamination and resource depletion, rather than acute toxicity. While modern batteries are mercury-free, they still leak potassium hydroxide (a corrosive electrolyte) and heavy metals like zinc and manganese, which pollute soil and groundwater and damage ecosystems. Examples of environmental hazards include:

• Groundwater/Soil Contamination: As battery casings corrode in landfills, they release metals (zinc, manganese) that can contaminate groundwater and affect soil health.
• Ecosystem Damage: The electrolyte (potassium hydroxide) is a strong base that can alter the pH of soil and water, harming plants, bacteria, and aquatic life.
• Resource Waste: They are single-use and require significant energy and natural resources (zinc, steel) to manufacture, making them unsustainable.
• Air pollution: Any improper incineration of batteries can release harmful vapors and particles, which impair the air quality and pose health risks to humans and animals.
• Landfill Fires: In high concentrations, leaking.

Proper use, separate collection, and appropriate treatment help prevent the impact of these hazards and support the sustainable use of resources.

If you have damaged a battery or notice signs of a problem with a battery, stop using it and dispose of it immediately and properly. If you have come into contact with battery materials, call for medical aid immediately.  Use emergency call numbers or contact poison control centers as necessary.