The Process of Car Battery Recycling

When it comes to getting rid of old car batteries, recycling is the smartest way to go. Disposing of them with regular garbage or simply abandoning them is not only wasteful, it is harmful to the environment. The acid in these batteries is corrosive and toxic, and can cause serious harm if it ends up leaking out. If you have never done it before, you may wonder, how does car battery recycling work? Luckily, this is an easy process when you know what to do. There are a few different options you can go with when recycling a battery, so there is sure to be something available for everyone.

Most cities have a recycling service where car batteries can be brought. They can be taken to a scrap yard or a recycling center. Many batteries come with a refundable deposit to encourage recycling. Old car batteries are also accepted by many companies that sell auto parts. They may employ an exchange policy so the customer can get a replacement battery as well. Once these batteries have been turned in, their materials can be recycled in a few different ways.

First, the battery itself is smashed apart by factory machines, in order to break it down to small pieces. Then the acid is neutralized and the parts are filtered out and used for different purposes. The plastic is melted down and often finds life as another battery case. The lead in the battery is similarly cleaned, melted down and purified, and is usually repurposed as more battery parts. Even the acid itself can be reused. It can be neutralized and turned into water that is then treated in a waste water treatment plant. Alternatively, the battery acid can also be converted to sodium sulfate. This powdered substance is used in all kinds of things, from laundry detergent to glass.

For a casual recycler, like many of us are today, a car battery may not fit into the scene at first. In your first confrontation with the concept, you may find yourself wondering, how does car battery recycling work? In the end, the answer is similar to how any other recycling process works. Everything is broken down and moves on to another life. It turns out that even the most harmful parts can be turned into something benign and useful. Don't let your old car batteries sit around and risk damage to your home and your loved ones. Take them to the proper center for disposal and allow the cycle to continue in a safe and responsible way.

Click here for more information on car battery and copper scrap recycling in Milpitas.