Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost to recycle household batteries?
The average household uses 1.2 pounds of sealed cell batteries per year. These batteries can be collected and recycled today for approximately $2.00 per household, per year. However, most consumer batteries are landfilled with household trash in municipal landfills. Although all battery cell types are now recyclable, a small percentage are actually collected for recycling. Collection remains difficult as battery waste is generated by most everyone, but usually only in small quantities.
What happens to the lead acid batteries that are recycled?
More than 100 million new lead batteries are manufactured in North America each year, from recycled waste lead acid batteries.
Can you recycle batteries more than once?
All metal is infinitely recyclable.
Who is legally responsible for the hazardous materials that are sent for recycling?
Ownership and any ongoing environmental liability are legally transferred upon receipt of waste to RMC.
What environmental impact does landfilling batteries have on our communities?
Although household batteries comprise a small fraction of 1% of total trash in municipal landfills, they are responsible for between 50% - 70% of all heavy metals found in the landfills (mercury, cadmium, lead).
How many batteries are landfilled in North America each year?
Consumers use approximately 200,000 tons of sealed cell batteries each year. This creates enough corrosive heavy metal bearing waste to fill 10 Great Lake Freighters!
Are there any proven negative effects from landfilling batteries?
All around the world, for decades, we have buried thousands of tons of corrosive metals. Much of it from our households, into unprotected municipal landfills. We have not yet seen all the long term effects from such practices. However, to continue this practice would be environmentally unsound, both contaminating the environment and wasting our precious natural resources.
Is there a financial savings gained from recycling metal?
Not only is metal infinitely recyclable, but when recycled metal is remelted, energy savings of between 45% and 90% are realized, compared to making metal from ore. (range depending on metal vis a vis % saved).
How do I recycle my batteries?
Please visit our Battery Recycling Programs page for more information on how you can safely dispose of your batteries.