I've had my grid-tied PV system for 4 years now and I love it. It's 3 kW and I have slowly reduced my loads by updating and removing appliances until I'm net zero or positive on production,
Now I want to go off grid, but here's my problem: I'm looking at the components in lead-acid batteries and I realize that if many people were to go off-grid, we'd have a huge toxic waste mess of expired batteries within a few years!
Am I missing something? Where can I go to find out about the toxic effects of used batteries?
Thanks! Sorry if I'm asking an uncomfortable question...
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13 years 1 month ago
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RETURN ALL SPENT BATTERIES TO AN EPA APPROVED RECYCLER OR CALL MK BATTERY FOR PICKUP AND QUESTIONS AT 1-800-372-9253.
www.mkbattery.com
Martha, this is a very hot topic, thanks for asking.
Doug, thank you for the comment.
Almost all retailers collect batteries as required by law. The Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act enforces administrators to bring out applicable regulations.
A typical lead-acid battery contains 60 to 80 percent recycled lead and plastic. The acid and the lead is recycled in most cases.
MK Battery has a Recycling Brochure (pdf) showing the environmental closed loop regarding the lead acid batteries.
So from the brochure it looks like almost 100% of the old battery can be recycled once the reclaimed sulfur is turned into fertilizer. This is interesting information that I'm sure most people don't know.