It is illegal to dispose of spent or otherwise unwanted lead-acid batteries in the trash. The Lead-acid Battery Recycling Law (link leaves DECs website) was signed into law on May 17, 1990, and took effect on January 1, 1991.
Do you need a permit to recycle lead-acid batteries?
Processing lead-acid batteries for recycling by draining the electrolyte, crushing, smelting or other physical methods is a fully regulated hazardous waste activity that requires a hazardous waste treatment permit. Contact your local DTSC Facility Permitting Unit if you intend to process batteries in this manner.
Because they contain lead and sulfuric acid, lead-acid battery disposal is fully regulated as a hazardous waste management activity, but when intact lead-acid batteries are managed for recycling, the handling requirements are relaxed.
Many big-name retailers accept small sealed lead acid batteries for recycling — usually up to 11 pounds and 300 watt hours. Here's how to do it: 1. Go to Call2Recycle. It's a national battery recycling program that has a lot of drop-off locations across the country — including Lowes, Staples, and Home Depot stores.
What happens if you illegally dispose of lead-acid batteries?
Consumers who illegally dispose of lead-acid batteries shall be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $50 for each violation. Additional recycling outlets are available. Most scrap metal recyclers will accept lead-acid batteries for recycling.
To recycle sealed lead-acid batteries, locate facilities that specialize in recycling sealed lead acid batteries. These centers have the tools to safely extract materials like purified lead and neutralize battery acid.
Are lead batteries recyclable?
Thankfully, yes! Lead batteries undergo an extensive recycling process, making them the most recycled consumer product in the U.S. Recycling them responsibly isn't just about clearing out clutter; it's crucial for protecting our environment and safely managing materials that could otherwise leach into landfills and water sources.