Turn In Spent Lead-Acid Batteries on Earth Day, Says Battery Council International

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Turn In Spent Lead-Acid Batteries on Earth Day, Says Battery Council

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TO ENVIRONMENTAL AND AUTO EDITORS:

Turn In Spent Lead-Acid Batteries on Earth Day, Says Battery Council

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, Apr. 19 -/E-Wire/-- In celebration of Earth Day 2001, Battery Council International [BCI] reminds consumers to check their garages, boathouses and tool sheds for any spent -- or used -- lead-acid batteries, and turn them in for recycling. According to BCI, which represents the country's manufacturers and recyclers of lead-acid batteries, most retail outlets that sell new batteries will accept old car, boat, motorcycle, garden tractor and other lead-acid batteries for recycling.

"When you need a battery, you want it to be fresh and fully charged," said Ronald M. Pogue, BCI president. "If you are saving an old battery with a little life left in it, you'll be better served by turning it in for recycling than by getting stranded when the old battery reaches the end of its useful life."

A new lead-acid battery contains almost 100 percent recycled lead and plastic. Four groups have made lead batteries one of the most enduring environmental success stories.

* BCI was instrumental in developing the infrastructure by working with legislatures in 37 states to pass laws requiring consumers to turn in a spent battery at the purchase of a new one, or pay a deposit.

* Consumers make the process work by turning in spent batteries.

* Retailers play a critical role by collecting the spent batteries and turning them over to manufacturers delivering new batteries to the retailer.

* Recyclers reclaim the lead, plastic and acid and send it to manufacturers, who make new batteries with recycled materials.

"The lead-acid battery industry is the leader in closed-loop recycling today and has been using the closed-loop model for 70 years," said Mr. Pogue. "Battery Council International developed the model legislation more than 12 years ago to promote the closed-loop system and to help states insure that lead-acid batteries are collected and recycled."

Besides starting cars and trucks and boats, lead-acid batteries propel commercial electric vehicles; back up computer, telephone and emergency systems; help public utilities shift electrical loads; provide clean power in remote locations; and power weapons and national defense systems. Lead-acid batteries are the product of choice for commercial and recreational electric vehicles, including forklifts, airport ground vehicles, mine vehicles and golf cars.

Battery Council International is the not-for-profit organization representing lead-acid battery manufacturers and recyclers in the U.S. and around the world. It is the authoritative source of lead-acid battery related information.

Battery Council International

http://http://www.batterycouncil.org

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