Lead acid batteries consist of lead, acid, and plastic. The former is a lethal metal, and the latter is poisonous too. If such lethal batteries are thrown into a landfill, they may cause pollution. Acid can at times seep into the ground and poison the latter by poisoning water. Lead may poison the animals, and humans too. So, recycling becomes inevitable in these scenarios!
The lead-acid batteries are everywhere – around the car, truck, and even boats that bound our daily space. But what if these break down? Maybe it’s thrown in the landfill? Not a chance! Actually, lead-acid batteries may be toxic just because they are not recycled properly. So, let’s talk more on where we can recycle our used lead-acid batteries and why recycling is important.
Where can I recycle lead-acid batteries?
Well, after talking about how important it is to recycle, it is time for you to wonder where they take them. Luck of all kinds is on your side because there are many places that recycle lead-acid batteries. Some locations are easier to find than others so let’s talk about a few of the most common ones.
Most auto repair shops will take old lead-acid batteries, as it is a business dealing with car batteries on a daily basis and will be aware of the best way to recycle them in a safe manner. Call them or just make a visit and ask if they accept old batteries. Most car dealerships accept used batteries. In most cases, they will give you service if you go to buy a new one.
Recycling Facility
There are several recycling stations where you can drop all your things including that old lead-acid battery of yours for recycling. A list of recycling stations in your area would be provided, either by the internet, or you just pick up the phone to dial the number to your local town waste management office.
What these stations do is to ensure that your battery is recycled and, most importantly, guarantee you an environment free of pollution. Sometimes, they even reimburse you for that old battery. Now that’s a prize!
Battery Retailers
You can also be taken in for your lead-acid battery to a retailer who sold it to you when the battery dies. Most retailers of batteries have a collection program. Car battery retailers often collect old ones for recycling. It’s an excellent option if you’re buying a replacement in any case. Some retailers will even give you a discount on buying a new one if you bring in an old one to turn in.
Collection Events for Hazardous Waste
Collection events for hazardous household products: Many communities accept hazardous household products as part of special collection events. Many communities accept lead acid batteries during these events.
Seek them out in your community. Usual method for contacting local governments to get word of these collection events is through the website or newspaper. A great safe and environmentally friendly way to dispose of hazardous items.
Landfill Drop-off Locations
Although this is not really meant to be disposed of in a landfill, many companies even accept such drop-offs. This would essentially be lead-acid battery recycling centers and for other electronics to have as well. You just have to ask your local landfill if they have such a program, of course not so as to end up in your regular garbage-always there is an alternative recycling available.
How Are Lead-Acid Batteries Recycled?
What happens to a lead-acid battery when it is being recycled? First, it is collected and taken off for recycling purposes to a recycling center where it is broken down safely.
- Breaking Down the Battery: At the recycling plant, the battery is crushed into pieces. Plastic, lead, and acid are separated.
- Reusing Plastic: The plastic from the battery case is cleaned and melted. It can, therefore, be used to make new cases of batteries. As such, this step minimizes wastage of plastic.
- Recycling Lead: The lead is cleaned by melting it. Once cleansed, the lead is put into manufacturing new batteries. As a matter of fact, today, most of the lead in use today comes from recycling old batteries!
- Acid Neutralization: The processed content is typically doped, battery acid. Sometimes it vaporizes to turn into water, and sometimes, it needs to be processed so that it can be sold as a product in detergents. For these reasons, acidic waste cannot reach the environment.
Why Should Lead-Acid Batteries be Recycled?
This also includes recycling lead-acid batteries, with the ultimate aim of protecting the environment. As pointed out above, leaving those batteries in trash brings about serious pollution. Lead, once it enters the soil or water, will poison the animals, plants, and humans. The acid in the battery is also poisonous.
We will save much-needed resources. Lead and plastic used in batteries can be recycled so that no extra material will be needed. Recycling uses lesser amounts of energy and produces much less waste. It prevents the entry of some dangerous chemicals into the landfills and the oceans.
Lead-Acid Battery Recycling Tips
Recycling a lead-acid battery is not hard if you know what to do. Here are some simple tips:
- Handle the battery with care because lead-acid batteries are heavy and dangerous acids are inside
Do not dispose of used, depleted, or exhausted batteries anywhere. The longer they stay there, the greater the possibility of leakage
First, go to a car shop or recycling center and ask them if they take your battery.
- Store used batteries in dry, cool places until you recycle them. Not on anything hot or anything freezing cold either.
Conclusion
Saving the earth, part of your activities, should also offer recycling of lead-acid batteries in a simple yet meaningful way. Sometimes, it is as simple as finding the right place to recycle your battery to help minimize pollution and conserve resources. And whether you take old batteries to your nearest car repair shop, a recycling center, or a store, the count matters.
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