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...
Comments
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.