Used Car Batteries

Although used car batteries are potentially hazardous to human health, with proper handling and recycling harmful effects can be negated. Almost all the components of used car batteries can be recycled back to good use when handled proficiently. That is why recyclers find old car batteries to be a gold mine instead of a repugnant waste. Nearly ninety percent of all car batteries (which are lead acid types) are recycled. Almost any retailer that sells lead-acid batteries collects the used batteries for recycling, as required by most state laws.

Reclaimers squash the batteries into nickel-sized pieces and separate out the plastic components. They send the plastic to a reprocessor for fabrication into new plastic products and deliver purified lead to battery manufacturers and other industries. A characteristic lead-acid battery contains 60 to 80 percent recycled lead and plastic.

As the price of lead increased in the market, metal smelting companies are looking into recycling used lead to augment the situation. And the recyclers are quick to respond to this demand. On average, an automotive battery contains at least 21 pounds of lead, which is one hundred percent recyclable when handled properly. And with cars out numbering the licensed drivers in the world, it's not difficult to see why recycling used car batteries is a hot business.

The scheme wherein you need to pay a deposit when you buy a new car battery if you're not going to hand in your old one is a win-win solution for the society and the recyclers. For the people, the risks of contamination of highly toxic compounds are minimized, and for the recyclers, their job of turning waste into gold is made lighter.

The sulfuric acid found in used car batteries can also be recycled to good use. It can be turn into sodium sulfate by the addition of another compound, and sodium sulfate is a component of inorganic fertilizers and other products. It could also be released back into the stream as clean water after some neutralization and purification process. With some resourcefulness and care, used car batteries can become a very important commodity instead of a dangerous waste. The people just have to do their share of taking them to the proper authorities for appropriate handling.

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