Source: U.S. EPA Office of Solid Waste
Lead-Acid Automobile Batteries
Nearly 90 percent of all lead-acid batteries are recycled. Almost any
retailer that sells lead-acid batteries collects used batteries for
recycling, as required by most state laws. Reclaimers crush batteries
into nickel-sized pieces and separate the plastic components. They send
the plastic to a reprocessor for manufacture into new plastic products
and deliver purified lead to battery manufacturers and other industries.
A typical lead-acid battery contains 60 to 80 percent recycled lead and
plastic.
Non-Automotive Lead-Based Batteries
Gel cells and sealed lead-acid batteries are commonly used to power
industrial equipment, emergency lighting, and alarm systems. The same
recycling process applies as with automotive batteries. An automotive
store or a local waste agency may accept the batteries for recycling.
Dry-Cell Batteries
Dry-cell batteries include alkaline and carbon zinc (9-volt, D, C, AA,
AAA), mercuric-oxide (button, some cylindrical and rectangular),
silver-oxide and zinc-air (button), and lithium (9-volt, C, AA, coin,
button, rechargeable). On average, each person in the United States
discards eight dry-cell batteries per year.
Source: U.S. EPA Office of Solid Waste
When you need a portable, convenient power source, you can rely on batteries. Batteries of all shapes and sizes supply power to everyday electronics like toys and power tools, but batteries also work where we don’t see them too. During a power outage, phone lines still operate because they are equipped with lead-acid batteries. Batteries help control power fluctuations, run commuter trains, and provide back-up power for critical needs like hospitals and military operations. The versatility of batteries is reflected in the different sizes and shapes, but all batteries have two common elements that combine to make power: an electrolyte and a heavy metal.
Just the Facts
Batteries contain heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and nickel, which can contaminate the environment when batteries are improperly disposed of. When incinerated, certain metals might be released into the air or can concentrate in the ash produced by the combustion process.
One way to reduce the number of batteries in the waste stream is to purchase rechargeable batteries. Nearly one in five dry-cell batteries purchased in the United States is rechargeable. Over its useful life, each rechargeable battery may substitute for hundreds of single-use batteries.
The links below include more information about what happens to the components in batteries when they're recycled.