May 1, 2009

Recycling Has a Long History

What is the most recycled consumer product in the United States? You might think that aluminum cans or newspapers lead the list. But while those products are the most common items to be tossed in a recycle bin, it is an automotive part that leads the list of recycled products: the battery that allows you to start your car every morning. 

According to the Battery Council International, lead-acid batteries are the most highly recycled consumer product. In fact, more than 97 percent of all lead-acid batteries are recycled, compared to just 55 percent of aluminum soda and beer cans. But rather than finding their way into recycle bins, the vast majority of the recycling of lead-acid batteries is done by service centers that perform battery replacements. And this form of recycling has been taking place almost from the introduction of the electric self-starter in 1912. Yet many people remain unaware that they can recycle car, motorcycle, lawn and garden and marine batteries if they happen to do a replacement on their own.

“Some of the most important items to recycle are often out of sight, which typically means they're not top of mind,” said Gale Kimbrough, technical services manager with Interstate Batteries. “Car batteries, for example, which are tucked away under the hoods of our cars, are lead-acid batteries that can cause great damage to the environment if they’re not properly disposed.”

It isn’t very hard to find a battery recycling center. Most metropolitan areas have several battery recycling centers, and battery retailers will often accept used batteries for recycling at no charge. “Although lead-acid batteries are recycled at such a high rate, there is still room to improve the effect these products are having on the environment,” said Kimbrough. “People can play a positive role by making a point to bring their old lead-acid batteries to a designated recycling center.”