What are Lead-Acid Batteries? All household batteries contain chemicals hazardous to humans and the environment. The lead-acid battery presents the greatest threat because of its size and particular chemical content. Lead-acid batteries are used in cars and marine vehicles. Each battery is constructed of a plastic shell containing several inner cells. Each inner cell encloses lead and lead plates immersed in sulfuric acid. How Big is the Problem? In 1989, 24 million motor vehicles were registered in Californiaöeach using a lead-acid battery. The average lead-acid battery contains 17.5 pounds of lead and 1.5 gallons of sulfuric acid. An estimated 2.4 million lead-acid batteries are disposed of improperlyöpossibly exposing California's environment and water supply to 210,000 tons of lead and 3 million gallons of sulfuric acid. What are the Hazards? Because these batteries contain lead, a highly toxic heavy metal, and sulfuric acid, a corrosive, they are classified as hazardous and are required to be disposed of properly. If lead-acid batteries are improperly disposed of, such as dumped in a non-hazardous landfill or in an empty field, the lead and sulfuric acid can seep into the ground, contaminating the environment and groundwater supply. Damaged, leaking batteries improperly disposed of in the regular trash also pose a danger to refuse collectors who can come in direct contact with sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid, present in large amounts in lead-acid batteries, "eats away" or dissolves materials and living tissue by chemical action. Symptoms of severe lead poisoning include coma, convulsions, irreversible mental retardation, seizures, and even death. Even low levels of lead exposure can result in fatigue, impaired central nervous system functions, and impaired hearing.

Are Lead-Acid Batteries Recyclable? Nationwide, 70 percent of spent lead-acid batteries are recycled. After the lead is separated from the non-metallic components of the battery, it is then smelted to produce soft lead and lead alloys. Most of these lead products are used to make new lead-acid batteries. The non-metallic materials include sulfuric acid, which is neutralized and released into the sewer; the plastic shell (or polypropylene), which is reclaimed; and other non-recyclable, non-hazardous material, which is disposed of. How Do I Dispose of Lead-Acid Batteries? Proper disposal is essential for lead-acid batteries. Several disposal options are available to the public: State law requires retailers of these batteries to accept a trade-in of a used lead-acid battery at the sale of a new lead-acid battery. An estimated 2.4 million lead-acid batteries are disposed of improperly- possibly exposing California's environment and water supply to 210,000 tons of lead and 3 million gallons of sulfuric acid Residents may take lead-acid batteries, as well as any other type of battery, to a household hazardous waste collection facility or event. Be sure to store the battery in a safe place away from children and pets. Businesses should look in the Yellow Pages under Battery Recycling for proper disposal. For More Information Call your local Public Works Department at 1-800-449-4840 or the California Integrated Waste Management Board's Recycling Hotline at 1-800-553-2962 to find the location of a household hazardous waste collection program in your area.