HELENA, Mont., April 2008 – AAA MountainWest and its team of battery service professionals want the public's help in hunting down what is estimated to be more than five million used, lead-acid car, truck, boat, and motorcycle batteries that have not made their way back to their natural habitat: the recycling plant.

The car battery, a renewable source of vehicle power, contains lead that is 97 percent recyclable. Yet, says AAA, millions of these batteries never get a new chance at life because they've gotten lost in the shuffle.

“AAA is on a mission to educate the public on the potential dangers of having old lead acid batteries in our living areas while also encouraging battery recycling" said Don Polich, Assistant Manger of Automotive Services.

Some of these old batteries are being illegally disposed of in dumpsters, or are simply placed in consumer's garages, yards or storage sheds awaiting disposal. Therefore, AAA wants to encourage more people to take the step of getting these batteries to a recycling center.  Anyone wishing to dispose of any type of Automotive Battery can drop them off at one of the AAA Battery Service Providers below:

With the price of lead now on the rise, recycling batteries can also play an important role in keeping the prices of new batteries down. This is because recycled lead costs less than fresh lead that is mined.

“The typical new lead acid battery contains 60 to 80 percent recycled lead and plastic, which saves money and energy on raw materials and protects the natural resources in the environment,” added Polich.

Leaking acid from these old acid batteries can be harmful to children, pets and our environment warns AAA. Therefore, AAA recommends that consumers wear gloves and safety glasses when handling batteries, keep them upright and place batteries in a sturdy box or plastic container when transporting them for recycling.

If the battery case is cracked or leaking, be especially careful to choose a leak-proof container. Do not smoke near or expose the batteries to an open flame, and make certain they will not shift and tip over in a moving vehicle.

Doing its part to help save and protect Mother Earth year-round, the mobile battery services program operated by AAA Moun and CAA in the United States and Canada have collectively sold and recycled more than two million batteries since their launch in 1997.

AAA MountainWest Club is dedicated to providing its more than 160,000 members in Alaska, Montana and Wyoming with travel, insurance, financial, and auto-related services.  A fully taxpaying, not for profit corporation, AAA MountainWest, Inc. strives for improvement of motoring and traveling conditions, and is a leader for travel, civic and safety issues.

View Great Battery Roundup Homepage