How to Recycle Automotive Batteries

Recycle auto batteries.

When your automotive battery no longer works, you may consider throwing it away in the garbage. Car batteries, however, contain a high level of lead and other toxic substances that require special disposal. In fact, almost every state mandates regulations against improper disposal of automotive batteries. Therefore, it is important to follow the law and recycle old car batteries properly. Not only will you save yourself a large fine or possible jail time, but you will save the environment from the harmful chemicals contained in the average car battery.

Things You'll Need

• Protective gloves
• Safety glasses
• Watertight container
• Telephone
• Vehicle to provide transport

Instructions

1. 

   Prepare the battery properly.

   Safely prepare the dead automotive battery for transport by wearing safety glasses and protective gloves. Place the battery in an upright position in a watertight container that cannot tip over. These precautions are particularly important if the battery is leaking.

2. 

   Call a recycling center.

   Explore your car battery recycling options. Call your local recycling center or nearby automotive repair store to see if they accept dead car batteries.

3. 

   Contact organizations to help you recycle.

   If you cannot find any convenient place to recycle your old car battery, wait for the annual AAA Great Battery Round Up, which is held in honor of Earth Day on April 22. During the Round Up, various AAA offices throughout the country offer free collection of dead automotive batteries. The batteries are recycled to create new car batteries, and a portion of the funds earned from this endeavor are donated to environmental groups.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with your local AAA office to determine the exact date of their Round Up event. Many AAA offices will accept dead car batteries during the entire month of April, so do not be alarmed if you miss the April 22 date.

• Be careful if you store old batteries on your property. If not properly secured in a watertight container, dead car batteries may leak toxic substances into the ground around your home and poison your family and your pets.

References

• Mother Nature Network: How to Recycle Batteries
• Earth911: Tips on Recycling Car Batteries
• Find Your Local AAA Office

Resources

• United States Environmental Protection Agency