All car batteries eventually need replacing. Although batteries are not thought to be as harmful as they once were, it’s still important to dispose of lead-acid batteries responsibly by recycling them safely.
Don’t use your normal bin!
Batteries contain substances that can be harmful if not disposed of properly.
The good news is that lead-acid battery recycling is one of the most exceptional environmental success stories of our time.
Potentially a noxious product that contains substances that can harm the environment, SABAT Batteries encourages the recycling of these scrap batteries.
Car batteries should always be taken to waste management centres, either by individuals or by battery manufacturers or retailers. Lead-acids batteries contain a large amount of lead, which can be recycled into many different things. Because of the value of this lead, some replacement centres will give you a discount when you replace your battery and recycle your old one.
When should you replace it?
The average lifetime of a car battery is several years. These warning signs indicate that your battery needs replacing:
- The battery light comes on
- You hear a grinding or clicking sound when you turn the ignition
- The engine does not swing at all when you turn the ignition
- Your vehicle cranks slowly when attempting to start
- Your headlights dim when idling but brighten when you rev your engine
- Your battery loses charge quickly
When your battery is showing these signs of failure, go to your nearest SABAT stockist to have your battery tested, and if required, replaced. SABAT Batteries considers recycling as its responsibility. The life cycle of a lead-acid battery follows a continuous, closed-loop, and when a used battery is returned to SABAT Batteries, the lead and plastic are reclaimed for new battery manufacturing.
How are batteries recycled?
Batteries that have reached end of life are collected by SABAT Batteries from their retailers and transported to the warehouse. Here scrap batteries are taken to the smelter and are processed through the battery breaker. When you recycle your car’s battery, it is broken down into three parts – plastic, metals, and acid.
Firstly, the plastic casing is crushed and turned into plastic pellets. These are then used in the production of new cases and covers and other products such as pipes and raincoats.
Secondly, the lead goes into the smelters, and through a complex refining process, it is then used to create alloys for battery manufacturing.
Lastly, the battery acid is neutralized and chemically processed into various useful products such as fertiliser.
Recycling your battery has so many benefits, there’s really no reason not to do it!