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.

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 not only protects our community and the environment, it saves the energy and cost of raw materials.

Some private companies may accept or buy automotive batteries. The lead, sulfuric acid and plastic casings from vehicle batteries can be reprocessed by registered battery recyclers. Walmart accepts certain batteries for recycling purposes. Please call for details.

In Ontario, for a location near you visitf: http://www.makethedrop.ca/what-can-i-drop/single-use-batteries/ 

The Orange Drop program safely manages five materials to end-of-life, diverting harmful substances from landfill and waterways. Many of the materials collected through the Orange Drop Program, such as pressurized containers and batteries are reprocessed, refurbished or reused to make new products—easing the demand for energy and virgin resources.

Rona, Home Depot, Canadian Tire accept the smaller batteries.