The life of a battery will last a long time with the correct care and maintenance. However, the charging power of any battery will become exhausted over time and replacement will be needed. It’s important to know how to dispose of a battery responsibly and to understand the impact it has on the environment.
What types of batteries can I recycle?
All AGM lead-acid batteries can be reclaimed and recycled into new products. This includes batteries found in all types of powersports vehicles, motorcycles, and automobiles.
How does battery recycling work?
The battery recycling process is quite simple. Expired batteries are broken down in a hammer mill and the various pieces are separated in a vat. The heavy materials like lead fall to the bottom while the lighter pieces like plastic rise to the top. After the pieces have been separated, they each go through their own unique recycling process.
The polypropylene plastic pieces are reclaimed and are made back into battery cases. The lead is melted and recast into parts for use in new batteries. The sulfuric acid in the battery is recycled in two different ways. One way is converting it into sodium sulfate, which is then used in detergents, textile, and glass manufacturing. Sulfuric acid can also be neutralized into water and released into the public sewer system.
Benefits of recycling batteries
The good news is that 99% of the materials that make up a lead acid battery can be recycled. This means that batteries are in a closed-loop cycle where recycled batteries go on to become new batteries. Batteries are unique in that they are some of the most recycled objects on the planet—even more so than aluminum cans or glass bottles! This is friendly to the environment because it keeps pollution and lead out of landfills while keeping costs down.
What to do with old batteries
Do not dispose of your used AGM lead-acid battery in the trash. Instead, you can return your old battery at many recycling locations including service shops, auto parts retailers, dealerships, and home improvement stores. The old battery will be collected, packed, and shipped to a recycling center where it will be handled in a safe manner.
For more information on where to drop-off spent batteries, refer to this database from Call2Recycle.
Improper handling of spent lead-acid batteries can have adverse effects on humans, animals, and the environment. Batteries contain highly toxic materials that can contaminate groundwater and cause serious harm if disposed of in a landfill.
Proper battery disposal procedures ensure safe and responsible recycling. It is better on the environment and the manufacturing process, which keeps new batteries at reasonable prices.
