Car batteries aren’t just any old household waste. They are sophisticated. Heavy. And highly poisonous. When you throw out an old car battery with the trash or let it sit in your garage you’re not being careless. You’re tampering with environmental catastrophe. Legal responsibility. And economic cost.
Recycling Auto Batteries Saves the Environment
Auto battery recycling is not mere reuse. It is about safeguarding soil. Water. And air. Car batteries particularly lead-acid batteries consist of lead and sulfuric acid. Both are dangerous. If the chemicals spill they are capable of polluting groundwater and injuring wildlife.
More than 95 percent of all lead-acid motor vehicle batteries in the United States are recycled, says the Environmental Protection Agency. Good. But not good enough. Too many still end up in the landfill. Where they corrode. Leak. And contaminate.
The Law Says Recycle
Recycling automobile batteries is not only smart. It’s the law. Disposing of batteries is against the law in most states. Most stores are required by law to accept your old battery when you buy a new one. You might even be fined if you fail to dispose of an automobile battery legally.
Breaking these laws puts you at risk. Recycling correctly keeps you safe. And in accordance with the law.
Car Batteries are Built to be Recycled
And that is the good news. Car batteries are built to be recycled. The lead can be recycled. Again and again and again. With no loss of quality. The plastic cover can be melted and reformed. Even the acid can be neutralized or recycled for use in new batteries.
This renders recycling auto batteries one of the most efficient recycling systems today. But it will only work if consumers and businesses do their part.
Economic Value of Battery Recycling
There is money in used batteries. Recycling centers pay for them. Scrap yards are willing to take them. And battery manufacturers rely on recycled batteries to cut costs.
Recycling car batteries helps create jobs. Helps the business. And reduces raw material dependence. A closed-loop process that works if people participate.
Where to Get Your Auto Battery Recycled
Don’t discard it. Recycle it. Used batteries are collected by most auto parts stores. So do service stations and recycling facilities. You can even contact your local waste management agency for drop points.
Auto battery recycling is easy. Quick. And earth friendly. You don’t have to search far and wide. You just have to do.
Conclusion
Auto batteries are not garbage. They are powerful. Poisonous. And packed with recyclable content. Auto battery recycling saves the earth. Keeps you in compliance. And sustains a viable industry.
Don’t ignore them. Don’t discard them. Give car batteries the special recycling attention they deserve.
