More Recyclable Than An Aluminum Can: Earth Day Report

Ann Arbor, MI / ACCESSWIRE / April 23, 2016 / This Earth Day, the world’s most recycled product is hidden in plain sight. It isn’t the aluminum can — and it’s already in most car garages right now.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the most recycled product in North America is the lead-acid battery. Lead-acid batteries are recycled over 99% of the time, compared to 70.6% of aluminum cans and 67% of newspapers.

This technology has proven for over 100 years. It starts most cars and safely powers everything from solar-powered homes to trains and forklifts.

Lead-acid batteries aren’t just the most recycled product – roughly 98% of their material can be reused, making them the most recyclable item in North America.

One battery can make new batteries for decades, which means greener energy storage and less waste.

In contrast, many other types of batteries go straight to the landfill at the end of their lifespan.

For instance, experts estimate that 80% of lithium-ion batteries will end up in landfills. Even at the country’s flagship lithium-ion recycling plant, over 40% of material still goes to the landfill. And since recycled materials cannot be used to make new lithium-ion batteries, virgin material has to be mined.

What makes lead-acid batteries so much more recyclable (99%) than any other product?

#1: Recycling is simple, safe, and automated: A lead-acid battery only has a few ingredients, and roughly 70% of its weight is safely enclosed lead. Machines open battery cases or crush batteries into small pieces, and then separate the parts. Plates and connectors are easily recycled or cleaned and recovered. Lead is resmelted and purified, and electrolytes are reprocessed using computerized systems approved and regulated by the EPA.

#2: Lead-acid batteries can be recycled at almost all recycling centers, along with many automotive shops and thousands of other locations. And many locations require you to recycle an existing lead-acid battery to purchase a new one – a closed loop that protects the environment.

#3: Lead has a high market value, which makes it profitable to recycle batteries. That’s why some recyclers will even pay to recycle old lead-acid batteries.

How are lead-acid batteries recycled?

Lead-acid battery recycling is easy and available nationwide. Contact a local recycling center, the nearest auto mechanic, or visit www.earth911.com or www.recyclerfinder.com.

About Crown Battery Manufacturing

Crown Battery is the world’s leading manufacturer of advanced technology, deep cycle batteries. Every one of Crown’s lead-acid batteries is 99% recyclable and comes from the company’s ISO 9001:2008-certified plant in Fremont, Ohio. The plant incorporates solar panels, wind turbines, high-efficiency robotic welding, and geothermal cooling. http://www.crownbattery.com

(http://www.epa.gov/smm/advancing-sustainable-materials-management-facts-and-figures)

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