We’ve all experienced it. You venture off to start your car on a cold morning, and just get a sleepy “click-click-click”.
After a short trip to the shop you’ve got a new battery under the hood, but you also have a heavy dirty lead-encrusted box sitting in your garage or hallway. Easy enough to do simply toss it in a corner for easy forgetting.
But do you realize an old car battery is actually filled with (not so) toxic chemicals that are super bad for our planet, and even you? I think working at a vehicle battery disposal site is just the right thing to do. If today is the day that you’ve been searching for, welcome.
Why You Can’t Just Bin It
Seems like another piece of trash, but car batteries are quite unique. Car batteries are made with lead and acid. If you throw a battery out in a normal trash can or a trash dump, the chemicals can seep into the ground and into the water supply.
In fact, in the UK, it is a criminal offence to dispose of a vehicle battery in your household rubbish or recycling bin. This is because, as a waste they are considered to be hazardous, and they require a special trip to a disposal site where they can be dismantled safely. The good news the car battery can be recycled to create a whole host of new products.
The Easiest Way: The “Take-Back” Rule
The easiest way to vehicle battery disposal is to give it to the experts on purchase of a new one. Almost every garage and shop where car batteries are sold are required to take your used one away. Next time you need a replacement just say something like, “Can you take the old one?” they’ll probably agree, which means it will be professionally re- recycled. It’ll save you running back to the store and means that the battery will be sent to people who know precisely what to do with it.
Visit Your Local Household Waste Site
If you already have a battery sitting at home and you aren’t planning on buying a new one soon, your local council is your best friend. Most local “tips” or household waste recycling centers have a specific area just for batteries.
It’s usually free for residents. You just drive up, follow the signs for “Lead Acid Batteries,” and pop it into the designated container. Just a little tip: keep the battery upright while you’re driving so it doesn’t leak any acid on your car mats!
Handling It Safely at Home
Until that battery is be moved away, be easy on him. Keep it upright: To be leak proof..
- Keep it upright: This prevents leaks.
- Keep away from pets and children: chemicals inside can be damaging if you come into contact or attempt to eat.
- Check for leaks: If you observe white powder or liquid, wear gloves, and place the battery in a robust, leak-proof plastic tub.
Let The Autoagent Help
If you need more than a battery- a whole car has seen better days- then we are the guys to help. Here at the The Autoagent we make it easy to dispose of your car.
When we remove your vehicle, we will ensure that all parts, right down to the new car battery will be recycled to the highest standards in the UK. We pride ourselves on a very ‘human’ approach to car maintenance; giving advice and helping you maintain your drive (and the environment).
Conclusion
Don’t be confused about how to dispose of an old battery. There are easy options – returning it to the garage or dropping it off at a recycling center near you – just remember the key issue is that it should not go to the council tip. Just one more thing!
You’re doing your little bit to a greener UK. Then go for it check the garage corner, borrow that battery, and get it recycled!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vehicle battery disposal free?
Yes, in most cases! In general, dropping off at a local council recycling center or returning to the shop where you are purchasing a new one is free for residents.
What happens to the battery once I drop it off?
It is then sent to a specialist plant where the lead is melted and made into new batteries the plastic is reprocessed into useable objects and the acid is neutralized into chemicals that can be used in such products as laundry detergents!
Can I get money for my old car battery?
Despite this, they will pay a tiny bit for batteries as they contain a lot of lead. For the overwhelming majority of people, the simple solution is to assume they are free and to use your local free drop off point.
What if my battery is leaking?
Don’t worry but handle it with caution. Pick it up with thick rubber gloves and put it in a plastic bucket. Make sure no liquid or white crusty powder gets on skin or clothes, because the liquid is acidic.