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Public Works > Recycling

Automobile Batteries (Lead Acid)

Why recycle? It is illegal in Washington to put a vehicle battery in your garbage can. A vehicle battery is a wet cell battery, which contains about 21 pounds of lead (a highly toxic metal), three pounds of plastic and one gallon of sulfuric acid (a corrosive electrolyte solution.). The lead and sulfuric acid from these batteries can seep into the soil and contaminate ground water, potentially affecting the quality of our drinking water supply. Also, disposing of batteries near rivers, streams or lakes can threaten aquatic life.

To prepare for recycling. Remove the battery from the vehicle; and place it in a cardboard or plastic box for easy handling and to keep the acid away from your clothing and skin. Do not store batteries outside in the rain

For proper disposal. See sites listed below.

Where does it go next? A used battery that still has useful life may be reconditioned for resale. Worn-out batteries are routed to lead reclaiming plants where the lead is extracted and used in the manufacture of new batteries. The plastic and sulfuric acid can also be recycled. Recycling spent batteries protects our community and the environment, and saves the energy and cost of raw materials.

BATTERY EXCHANGE
CENTRAL TRANSFER AND RECYCLING CENTER RECYCLING
INTERSTATE BATTERIES
LES SCHWAB TIRE CENTERS
MOBILE COLLECTION EVENTS
PHILIP SERVICES CORPORATION HHW
SERVICE BATTERY
WEST VAN MATERIALS RECOVERY CENTER RECYCLING

 

 


 

 

 

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Clark County Public Works - Recycling and Solid Waste Program:
Anita Largent, Manager

Street Address: 1300 Franklin Street, 1st Floor, Vancouver, WA 98660
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 9810, Vancouver, WA 98666-9810
Main phone: (360) 397-6118 ext. 4352 | Fax: (360) 397-2062
TTY: (360) 397-6057
E-mail: solidwaste@clark.wa.gov

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