How to recycle lead - acid batteries and why it is so important?
After your automotive, motorcycle, UPS or wheelchair battery gets completely discharged and no longer usable, the best thing to do would be to send it over to a household hazardous waste disposal facility. Batteries are considered an extremely dangerous item due to its metal and other corrosive components (such as lithium, mercuries and etc.) that are dangerous for both people and the environment. The good news is that nowadays it is fairly simple to do that without too much wandering around and looking for those special places or containers. Battery Rush team, would like to provide you with some more details, as we are highly concerned about the environment and our own well-being. Bellow, we have the answers of how does that battery gets recycled and what should you do to replace the battery yourself.
A few words about the lead – acid batteries
There are two types of lead – acid and deep – cycle. The deep cycle batteries are constructed to deliver low rate, continuous power for a longer period of time whereas on the other hand the starting ones would provide a high and sharp burst of energy that can start an engine. Lead-acid batteries are the first rechargeable batteries for commercial use, invented in 1859. Initially people use them to power lights on trains and help utilities store power. When most people think of lead-acid batteries they think of car batteries. But at present, the technology has many other uses. They are used in other vehicles such as boats, buses and golf carts. They power back-up generators at hospitals, prisons and other facilities during storms. Utility companies use them to handle fluctuations in energy demand and prevent power outages. True to their name, lead-acid batteries contain large quantities of lead and sulfuric acid. A set of lead plates, which represent the positive and negative sides, are lowered into an acid and water solution to charge the battery. Once the whole battery is built, it gets tucked into a plastic container to contain the metals, chemicals and their interactions with each other. Now that we know what is inside the technology, we can tell ourselves how important it is to recycle them. These batteries can seriously harm humans, animals and groundwater supplies if their contents leaks out of that protective plastic case. In addition, lead must be mined, which brings its own set of harmful environmental consequences.
How are lead acid batteries being recycled? The good news is that sealed lead acid batteries are being recycled by crushing them into nickel – sized pieces and the different metal components are being speared and reused. The plastic in lead-acid batteries is mostly polypropylene (also known as PP or by the resin code #5), which has a high heat tolerance. It can be recycled. The lead from them is being reused as well by other companies two produce batteries. The EPA estimates that up to 80% of the plastic and lead in any new battery you purchase is recycled, which is great.
Where can sealed lead acid batteries be recycled? Since SLA batteries might be hazardous, the state has made it fairly easy to recycle and most states have strict laws about this issue. We would say that the best place where you can find your nearest recycling location, only with a couple of clicks is called Call2Recycle, they have a great recycle program and free rechargeable battery collection. Simply enter your address in the search filed and you will find what you need.
