Car Care Tip- Batteries are Dangerous and Recyclable

Typical car battery

The car’s battery supplies electricity to start the engine, as well as being a surge suppressor for the car's computer. When the engine is off, it also provides power for items such as lights, stereo, GPS, wipers, or USB ports. It contains 21 pounds of lead and 1 gallon of sulfuric acid, encased in 3 pounds of plastic.

Not only are lead and sulfuric acid dangerous to human health, but under certain conditions it can produce explosive hydrogen or flammable and toxic hydrogen sulfide gas. Wear protective eyewear and sturdy gloves when handling car batteries.

However, if you must dispose of a car battery, recycle it. The lead plates inside can be melted down and reformed for use in constructing new batteries. The sulfuric acid can be neutralized and safely reclaimed. Even the plastic can be recycled into new battery cases.

To find out more about car battery safety: https://autobatteries.com/battery-installation/battery-safety-and-handling.

For information on recycling car batteries: https://earth911.com/recycling-guide/how-to-recycle-car-batteries/.