A battery is a device in which the energy of a chemical reaction can be converted into electricity. Small, sealed button and six-volt batteries are used for consumer products; “starting batteries” deliver a short burst of high power to start engines; “deep cycle batteries” deliver a low, steady level of power for electrical accessories such as trolling motors on boats; and large industrial batteries have thicker plates and can supply low, steady power for years. This profile is limited to the lead acid batteries used by motor vehicles.
A lead-acid battery consists of a polypropylene casing; lead terminals connected to positively- and negatively-charged internal plates; lead oxide; an electrolyte, which is a dilute solution of sulfuric acid and water; and plastic separators that are made of a porous synthetic material. More than 80 percent of the lead produced in America is used in lead-acid batteries.
Lead-acid batteries have the highest recycling rate of any product sold in the United States. This is because of the ease of returning a used battery when purchasing a new battery and the value of the lead and plastic components of the used battery.
Chaz Miller is state programs director for the National Solid Wastes Management Association, Washington. E-mail him at: [email protected].
Lead-Acid Batteries MSW Facts*
Generated:
- 2.8 million tons, or 1.2% of municipal solid waste by weight.
- 18.24 pounds per person per year.
- The average life of a car battery is 4 years.
- The average life of a truck battery is 3 years.
- The amount of lead in a car battery is 21.4 pounds.
Recycled:
- 2.68 million tons or 95.7% recovery rate.
- 99% of battery lead is recycled (industry data).
- Nine states have battery deposit laws.
- Most states require retailers to collect old lead-acid batteries from customers who buy new batteries.
Recycled Content:
- A “typical” battery contains 60 to 80 percent recycled lead and plastic.
Composted:
- Should never be placed in a composting pile.
Incinerated or Landfilled:
- 120,000 tons or 0.1% of municipal solid waste by weight.
- Should not be incinerated.
- 44 states ban disposal.
Landfill Volume:
- Negligible.
Density:
- Average car battery weighs 39 pounds.
- Average truck battery weighs 53 pounds.
- Average motorcycle battery weighs 9.5 pounds.
Source Reduction:
- In 10 years, car batteries have increased from 2,500 to 6,000 charging cycles.
- Industrial batteries can last 10 to 20 years.
Recycling Markets:
- Polypropylene casings processed back into new battery casings.
- Lead is recycled into lead plates and other battery parts.
- Battery acid is either neutralized, treated and discharged into sewers or processed into sodium sulfate, a powder used in laundry detergent, glass and textile manufacturing.
Sources:
Battery Council International, www.batterycouncil.org
“Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: 2009 Facts and Figures,” U.S. EPA, Office of Solid Waste, www.epa.gov/osw
“Measurement Standards and Reporting Guidelines,” National Recycling Coalition, Washington, www.nrc-recycle.org
*Data is from 2009 EPA estimates, except where noted.