A car battery is any battery that is used to power an automotive starter, lighting, or ignition. You may be unaware, but car batteries require special disposal when they reach the end of their safe working life.
This is due to the fact that car batteries are classified as hazardous waste. They are dangerous due to the various powerful chemicals contained within them, all of which can have a negative impact on the environment if you do not properly dispose of your old car batteries.
Must-know disposal tips for your car battery
Safe and responsible car battery disposal has two advantages. It first and foremost safeguards our natural environment. Second, it ensures that you follow the law. Read on for our six top car battery disposal tips to dispose of your end-of-life car batteries legally and responsibly.
Under no circumstances should you fly tip your car battery
Although current legislation prohibits disposing of car batteries with household waste, this does not mean that you should dispose of your car batteries irresponsibly. Rather than taking the easy, but heinous, option of dumping your used car battery in a car park or the local countryside, do the responsible thing and take it to a licenced waste disposal carrier. If you are caught fly tipping an old car battery, you could face a £400 fine on the spot.
It’s not possible to take end-of-life car batteries straight to landfill sites
Car batteries that are ready for disposal cannot even be taken to landfills. The site operator will immediately reject these due to the hazardous waste contained within them. That's why it's always a good idea to take your old battery to an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF). They will not only depollute the battery but also dispose of it for you, usually by recycling the remaining materials.
Always wear protective clothing when handling car batteries
Be aware of the dangers of battery acid before handling and removing your old car battery from your vehicle. It has the ability to burn through clothing and even your skin. It has also been known to cause blindness due to unforeseen leaks, so wear protective clothing before disconnecting, removing, and transporting your car battery.
Use a torch to check your car battery for dents or leaks
In terms of leaking battery acid, shining a torch across all sides of your dead car battery is the best way to look for hidden dents, leaks, or marks. This should be enough to identify any unusually shaped areas on the battery that may require professional attention. The cell caps are the most common location for a car battery to leak acid. Overcharging and freezing temperatures have also been linked to battery leaks.
Keep the battery terminals covered when in transit
If you decide to take your old car battery to an ATF for de-pollution and recycling, make sure to cover the terminals in transit. This ensures that they cannot be shorted out while moving. You should also keep the battery upright and secure in transit at all times, as any turns or bumps could cause it to tip over and sustain a serious dent or leak.
Recycling your car battery can ease demand for raw materials
If you take the responsible route and recycle your old car battery, you'll be helping to give the environment a much-needed break. Recycling batteries reduces the demand for raw materials and the energy required to manufacture with them by allowing many of the materials in a car battery to be reused. Simply put, you'll be contributing to the "green economy."