How to Properly Dispose a Car Battery?
Car batteries contain hazardous materials that are damaging to humans, animals, and the environment. Therefore, one cannot just throw away their used car battery in the dustbin. Similarly, they cannot be sent to the landfill either because the toxic materials may leak into the ground, contaminating the groundwater supply.
There are multiple steps involved before a battery can be buried in a landfill or be completely destroyed. However, these steps are a bit technical and do not merit a discussion here. Instead, let us take a look at why you might need to throw away your old battery.
- It is damaged
- No longer functional
- Leakages
- You have decided to opt for a new, better car battery
Whatever the reason for getting a new battery, the real question is what to do with your old battery. Here are a few suggestions that you might find helpful.
Leave it with the Workshop
To buy a new car battery, you will go to your nearest workshop. Unless you are a car expert, you will ask them to install the battery too. In most cases, the workshop installs the battery at no additional cost. They might ask you to handover the old battery and offer a small discount in return. Just hand over the battery and save yourself the worry about proper disposal. Workshops know the right way of disposing of the battery. You can walk out with a new battery at a discount and without the additional worry about the disposal.
Recycling Facilities
Recycling facilities are available throughout the UAE. If you are not comfortable handing over the used car battery to the workshop, head to your nearest recycling facility. Talk to the person-in-charge and hand over the battery. They know exactly what to do with the battery and how to recycle it for different parts. After all, they are professionals. About 90 per cent of the battery is recyclable. Therefore, play your part in saving the environment & support other businesses in the process as well.
Wrapping Up
These are the two most reliable and safe ways of disposing of an old battery. Do not throw away the battery in the dustbin or any other location. Always find a certified place that deals with batteries. In many countries, improper disposal of car batteries results in heavy fines. Batteries contain acid and other toxic materials which may cause death if proper care is not exercised in their handling.
To keep yourself safe, here are a few tips on safely removing the car battery. Make sure that the vehicle is turned off completely. Disconnect the battery while wearing protective equipment such as gloves and googles. Try to keep your face far away as possible. If there is a leak, call a professional immediately. Do not tilt the battery while picking the battery up because it might lead to the leakage of the acid. Make sure that you have the strength to pick it up. Batteries are heavy!