Where to Recycle VEHICLE BATTERIES
In DOUGLAS COUNTY
What are vehicle batteries?
Vehicle batteries are those used in cars, trucks, motorcycles, motorboats and snowmobiles. Although vehicle batteries
can be recharged many times, they eventually become “spent” when they can no longer hold a charge. A typical vehicle
battery contains 20 pounds of toxic lead and one gallon of lead-contaminated sulfuric acid electrolyte, a highly corrosive
poison that produces flammable and toxic gases that can explode. Disposed of improperly, vehicle batteries can pose a
threat to humans, animals, groundwater and the environment.
While sulfuric acid and lead may not be the first substances that come to mind when envisioning the word recycling, these
components of automotive batteries are as recyclable as they come.
Is it illegal to improperly dispose of lead-acid batteries?
Yes. Washington State has a law that affects sellers and buyers of vehicle batteries. The goal is to stop the
illegal dumping of vehicle batteries, or the improper disposal of them at landfills or incinerators.
Key points of the law are:
1. It is illegal to put a vehicle battery in the garbage. A vehicle battery is a potential source of
pollution because it contains toxic lead and corrosive acid. Vehicle batteries disposed of in
landfills may cause groundwater contamination. Violators are subject to a fine of up to $1000
per battery for improper disposal.
2. Sellers of replacement vehicle batteries must accept at lease one used battery in exchange for
every battery sold, if offered by the buyer. Many battery wholesalers and retailers have already
formed efficient collection networks that get used vehicle batteries to recycling facilities. Now,
every seller must participate so that buyers have a consistent recycling outlet for the “spent”
vehicle batteries generated.
3. Retailers must charge a five dollar ($5.00) or more core charge to any vehicle battery purchaser
who fails to provide a used vehicle battery in exchange. The weakest link in vehicle battery
recycling has been the buyer’s failure to turn in the “spent” batteries for recycling. Now there will
be a consistent financial incentive for buyers to turn in their used vehicle batteries.
What is a Core Charge?
A core charge is an added amount charged for a replacement part if the buyer fails to provide the
worn-out or used part. Although the five-dollar minimum core charge on vehicle batteries is a special core
charge because it is required by state law, it is not a tax. State law requires the retailers to refund the
minimum $5 core charge if the buyer brings in a “spent” vehicle battery to the place of purchase, with
proof of purchase, within 30 calendar days of the date of purchase.
Can I stack vehicle batteries on top of one another?
Yes. Vehicle batteries may be stacked upright (so that the top vent holes will not leak acid) and in layers
no more than five high. Stack each battery with the pole side toward the outside of the stack increase
stack stability. If the stack is to be moved intact later, start with a sturdy wooden pallet, stack no higher
than three layers high and shrink-wrap the whole stack and pallet together.
What should I do if a spill occurs?
Spilled battery acid can burn the skin and ruin clothing. Avoid spills by carefully handling all vehicle
batteries. Always keep the battery upright. Use a battery carrier whenever possible when installing or
removing a vehicle battery. If battery acid gets on your skin or in your eyes, flush the contacted area with
water immediately and rinse thoroughly for a least three minutes.
To neutralize a battery spill, add lime or bicarbonate (baking soda) to the acid. Small quantities of
neutralized solids that contain no free liquid may be placed into an acid-resistant container, labeled
and placed into your garbage.
Vehicle batteries are the most recycled products in the U.S.
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According to the U.S. EPA, 95.7 percent of automobile batteries were recycled in 2009.
Vehicle batteries have the highest recycling rate out of all recycled materials.
About 60 percent of the world’s lead comes from recycled vehicle batteries.
Lead-acid batteries use over 80 percent of the lead produced in the U.S.
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New lead-acid batteries are composed of 60% to 80% recycled lead and plastic.
Where can I recycle my vehicle battery in Douglas County?
Allied Battery Systems, Les Schwab Tires.
Bridgeport residents: The Community Recycling Center located at 1007 Fairview Ave., 686-4041.
Mansfield residents: The Community Recycling Center on Railroad Avenue, 745-8871
Rock Island residents: The Community Recycling Center, 23 S. Garden Avenue, 884-1261.
Waterville: the Community Recycling Center, 720 N. Chelan Avenue, 745-8871
Note: Only unbroken batteries will be accepted at the Community Recycling Centers. There may be a
small fee for each unbroken vehicle battery. Contact your local City or Town Hall at the phone numbers
above for specific charges.
5 safety tips for do-it-yourselfers:
Keep open flames away from the battery. Don't use lighters or matches to illuminate your work under the
hood. Don't smoke around an open battery.
Always shield your eyes from the battery. Wear safety glasses or goggles whenever possible.
When using jumper cables, never connect the ground cable (black) to the negative post of a run-down
battery. Instead, connect it to the frame or engine block of the stalled vehicle as far as possible from the
battery.
Don't be careless when using tools around the battery. You might accidentally make a direct connection
across the terminals or from the positive (red) post to a grounded part of the vehicle, creating a dangerous
spark.
Don't hook up your battery charger incorrectly. Instead, follow the directions on the charger and be sure
the charger is turned off or unplugged before making connections. Remember to turn the charger off and
unplug it after charging and before disconnecting the charger leads.
What happens to the “spent” vehicle battery once it is turned in?
If the “spent” vehicle battery has a useful life, it may be reconditioned for resale.“Spent” vehicle batteries
that cannot be reconditioned are routed to lead reclaiming facilities where the lead in the batteries is
extracted. Once the lead has been extracted it is sold as a raw material to be used in the manufacture of
new batteries.
For more waste reduction & recycling information, contact:
COUNTYWIDE SOLID WASTE PROGRAMS
OF DOUGLAS COUNTY
(509) 886-0899
www.countywidesolidwaste.net
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