More than 98 per cent of a car battery can be recycled, including the lead, acid and plastic casing.
Starting this Saturday, CAA is launching their weeklong Great Battery Roundup. Businesses and the general public are encouraged to bring in their old automotive, marine and motorcycle batteries to the CAA Travel Centre on Memorial Avenue.
The Great Battery Roundup is one way for CAA to do their part for the environment by getting old batteries out of backyards and basements, said battery technician Jamie Chabot.
“There are potential hazards for the environment with having an old battery kicking around. You don’t want the acid leaking out or kids playing around with the batteries,” he said.
Chabot also said people bringing in batteries should wear protective eyewear and gloves when handling the batteries and transport it in a upright container, which should be tied down to avoid spills.
“If they do not feel safe to drop off their own batteries, we do have qualified technicians to come by and pick up their old batteries,” he said.
Saturday’s roundup runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Chabot said people can also come get their car batteries tested for free.
And for every battery that CAA North and East Ontario receives, they will make a donation to an environmentally-friendly organization or event.
Batteries can be dropped off at the CAA Travel Centre until June 2.
For more information call 1-800-CAA-HELP or visit www.caaneo.ca/gbr.
