Were you aware that car batteries contain toxic metals and acid? Additionally, did you know that you can receive payment for recycling them? Despite the convenience that these batteries provide in our daily lives, their components are harmful to the environment and can contaminate both soil and air, resulting in various issues.
As a result, it is not advisable to dispose of car batteries directly into the garbage or household waste. Instead, these power cells should be recycled correctly to minimize their harmful effects on the environment.
This article contains all of the necessary information on how to recycle dead car batteries. After reading, you will have a better understanding of how to properly handle your car battery.
Can I put the car battery in the garbage?
It is not advisable to dispose of car batteries in the garbage as they are an environmental hazard. The primary components of these batteries are lead and sulfuric acid, which can contaminate the air, water, and soil, resulting in negative effects on the surrounding area.
Due to these reasons, batteries should not be disposed of in open spaces or in the garbage. If left in the garbage, the battery can break down and release toxic elements such as lead and sulfur into the environment.
These harmful components can enter the human body and cause various physical and mental health problems.
Reasons why i should not put a car battery in the garbage
Exposure to lead can result in anemia, kidney and brain damage, and in severe cases, even death. Similarly, sulfur can cause respiratory issues such as chest tightness, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
When these elements enter the human body, they can reduce the expected lifespan. It is estimated that around 3 million people die annually due to pollution caused by these batteries.
In particular, lead can mix with soil and enter the human body, resulting in various cognitive and nervous problems. Additionally, these components also have a significant impact on the environment.
Where to dispose of a car battery?
After removing the car battery, it is important to dispose of it properly. The best way to do so is to take it to a battery recycling center or an auto parts store. Many auto parts stores will accept older batteries and may even offer a small payment or discount on a new one.
Battery companies accept these batteries for recycling as the components can be used to create new batteries. The core charge is typically included in the purchase price, so returning the battery will result in a refund.
During transport, it is important to handle the old battery safely as they may leak or spill. Therefore, it is advisable to be cautious and vigilant while transporting it.
Is a car battery considered hazardous waste?
The primary components of lead-acid batteries, lead, and sulfuric acid, are both harmful to both human health and the environment. Therefore, batteries are classified as hazardous waste.
When these elements are released into the environment, they can contaminate anything they come into contact with. In the human body, they can disrupt normal bodily functions.
If these elements mix with water, they can harm aquatic animals, depending on the level of exposure. Anything that these elements contaminate will suffer from their adverse effects.
These effects do not diminish or disappear after the battery dies. Hence, batteries are regarded as hazardous waste.
The importance of recycling car batteries
Recycling car batteries is crucial as the internal components can be reused to create new batteries, even after the battery has reached the end of its lifespan. It’s essential to recycle car batteries as improper disposal can lead to contamination of the environment.
Moreover, recycling has several benefits, such as the recycling of 99% of the lead plates in the battery, which makes it cheaper to produce new batteries. Additionally, recycling old batteries can earn you cash or discounts, making it an eco-friendly and cost-effective option. Therefore, recycling car batteries is important to protect the environment and save money.
Is it possible to recycle old car batteries at Autozone?
Autozone’s policy on old car batteries may cause confusion for many people. However, it is quite simple. Autozone does not buy old batteries, they only accept them for recycling purposes. In return, you will receive store credit which can be used towards the purchase of a new battery.
It’s important to note that the core charge and store credit are two separate things. The core charge is a fee that applies to most batteries and is refundable upon returning the old battery. So, if you have an old car battery to dispose of, Autozone is a good place to take it for recycling and get store credit towards a new one.
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