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Information on Recycling Lead Acid/Automotive Batteries
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The information on
this page is tailored to Massachusetts businesses and institutions
only. Municipalities and
private residents should view the Massachusetts Department of
Environmental Protection (MA DEP) Web page for Automotive Batteries
Reuse and Recycling: http://www.state.ma.us/dep/recycle/hazards/battauto.htm |
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What
are
Lead-Acid/Automotive Batteries?
Lead batteries are this country's
principal source of power for automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, boats,
forklifts, golf carts, lawn and garden tractors, and wheelchairs.
These heavy, rectangular batteries contain sulfuric acid, which can
burn skin on contact.
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Massachusetts
Laws and Regulations:
There
is a waste ban, or restriction, on the disposal and transfer for disposal of
lead-acid/automotive batteries at landfills and combustion facilities. As
outlined in the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP)
regulations in Section 19.017(3), restrictions on the disposal of lead-acid/automotive
batteries from landfilling or incineration took effect as of December
31, 1990. While generators of these materials are not monitored for
recycling lead-acid batteries, haulers that transport recyclable lead-acid
batteries to incinerators or landfills may be turned away for delivering
these materials to landfills and combustion facilities for disposal.
For further information about the waste bans view
the MA DEP’s website at www.state.ma.us/dep/recycle/regs.htm
or call the DEP InfoLine at 617-338-2255.
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Benefits
of
Recycling Lead-Acid/Automotive Batteries
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Comply with the Massachusetts Waste Bans - There
is a waste ban, or restriction, on the disposal and transfer for
disposal lead-acid/automotive at landfills and combustion facilities.
For Further details view the Massachusetts
Laws and Regulations (ADD LINK ABOVE) section of this page.
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Reduce Raw Material Manufacturing
– The metals recovered from recycling
lead-acid/automotive batteries are reused to produce more batteries,
reducing the production of new metals.
The plastics obtained from the batteries can be reused as well.
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Tips
on Recycling Lead-Acid/Automotive
Batteries1:
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Handle batteries with acid resistant or leather
gloves.
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Keep sparks and flames away from batteries and don't
smoke nearby.
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Never place metal objects on top of the battery
because it can cause sparks. Remove rings, chains, and other metallic
items before handling.
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Keep batteries right side up.
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Carry in a non-metallic, leak proof container.
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If battery leaks, neutralize any spilled acid with
baking soda or calcium carbonate (lime). Flush area with water.
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If acid comes in contact with skin, flush area with
water immediately and seek medical attention, if burning continues.
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Most automotive battery retailers will accept used
batteries when purchasing a new one. Call ahead.
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Find a local hauler in under “Automotive
Parts/Waste” in the Recycling
Services Directory.
1Source: Massachusetts
Department of Environmental Protection
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Recycling Services
for Lead-Acid/Automotive
Batteries:
The
Recycling Services Directory and Market Guide for Massachusetts:
This Guide lists 405 vendors who
accept, collect, or purchase recyclable materials from Massachusetts
communities and businesses. Updated May, 2001.
View the online
Recycling Services Directory's listing for "Car Batteries":
Car Batteries are
listed under the “Automotive Parts/Waste” section*
www.wastecap.org/wastecap/rsd/auto.htm
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Facts & Figures
- Roughly
96 percent of all battery lead is recycled1
- A typical lead battery
contains 18-20 pounds of lead, 11 pounds of sulfuric acid, and three
pounds of plastic - reclaimable, recyclable and reusable.2
- Almost
20 percent of all US homes store at least one old automotive-type
battery, amounting to 30-40 million used lead batteries in storage.
2
1
Source:
Battery Council International www.batterycouncil.org/
2
Source:
Industrial Battery Products
www.ibpstl.com/
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Associated
Links:
Battery
Council International (BCI)
www.batterycouncil.org/
BCI actively promotes the recycling of spent
lead-acid batteries and the use of recycled materials in the production of
new batteries. The organization collects statistical data to provide the
annual recycling rate of lead-acid batteries. BCI also develops battery
recycling legislation at both the state and federal levels in the U.S., as
a way to efficiently recover valuable resources and keep recyclable
materials out of the waste stream.
Independent
Battery Manufacturers Association, (IBMA)
www.thebatteryman.com/
The IMBA consists of U.S. and
overseas lead-acid battery manufacturers and suppliers to the battery
manufacturing industry. IBMA is a not for profit organization that exists
to advance the technical science of the manufacture of lead-acid
batteries; to promote and develop standards of quality; to aid in sound
business practices and to help members in advertising and sales promotion.
IBMA is affiliated with several other associations and contributes monies
and involvement in environmental legislation and concerns.
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