How Do I Get Rid of My Used Car Batteries?

January 18, 2020 12:32 am Published by Leave your thoughts

If you’ve been driving for a while, you almost certainly know that car batteries can’t just be tossed in the trash or a recycling bin. This makes life a little less convenient, but proper car battery disposal in Houston, TX is important for the environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that the vast majority of car batteries are recycled properly, but missing even one can have lasting effects.

What happens if I don’t recycle my car battery?

You might be thinking that taking your battery to a store for recycling sounds like an annoying extra step, and we get it—who has the time for yet another errand? If you’ve been tempted to just toss your battery in the trash or your blue recycling bin, stop—your car battery contains a lot of harmful chemicals, and its effect on the environment can be devastating.

If you throw your battery in the trash, it will proceed to the landfill. At that point, the chemicals in the battery either already have or will start to leak. Car batteries are filled with lead and acid, which does not make for a friendly environment—if you’ve heard about the dangers of lead poisoning, you can understand why it’s important that lead doesn’t leach into the ground, where it can poison the groundwater supply.

However, when you recycle your battery, the lead is drawn away, plastic and metal parts are recycled for future use and the acid is neutralized.

Taking your old battery to be recycled

Once you’ve safely removed your old battery (be sure to consult your car’s owner’s manual for the proper procedure), it’s time to recycle it. First, make sure to wrap the battery in two thick, sturdy plastic bags to protect your vehicle from dirt, grime and potential leakage.

Second, you should never tote a battery around on its side—some types of car batteries have lids that are easy to dislodge. Loose lids mean spilled battery acid in and around your car, so take it easy—don’t speed or make quick turns while you’re on your way to the recycler or auto parts store.

Finally, once you have removed your old battery, don’t delay in recycling it. Even if you store your battery upright in thick plastic bags, it can still leak. This is dangerous to you, your family and anyone else who might come into contact with the battery.

Car battery disposal in Houston, TX

Texford Battery Co. is Houston’s premier battery store, stocking everything from your everyday batteries to hard-to-find foreign components. If you need a source for car battery disposal in Houston, TX, look no further—we’re happy to take them off your hands and make sure they’re disposed of safely. And if you need to replace your battery, we can help. Texford Battery Co. carries a wide variety of car batteries, and we’re sure to have the right kind for your car’s specific make and model. Come visit us and check out our affordable and diverse selection.

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