The LiON phosphate claims to be "environmentally friendly", which probably means it doesn't have pure mercury in them, but gell cell and glass matte tech will help keep the contents inside. Centralized energy production is always going to be easier to make more efficient and safer.
You might want to discuss the enviromental issues of nuclear electricity with Red-Beard while I warm up the popcorn.
I don't imagine shirtless kids in cut-off jean shorts are going to be dumping expensive batteries in the river just for kicks. The solution for is two-words: core charge.
Besides, they can have more fun just draining the oil in the dirt driveway instead
