How to properly get car batteries (and other lead-based batteries) ready for scrap is not always the same as other scrap metals. Scrap is not all created equal, and handling batteries is tricky and should be handled correctly. Scrap batteries, especially lead-acid batteries, are not always easy to transport because, if mishandled, they could break. Then, the battery’s acid can spill, where problems begin. There are a lot of different types of lead-acid batteries. Here is a quick list of which ones to look out for.
Types of Lead-Acid Batteries for Scrap
- Car Batteries
- ForkTruck Batteries
- UPS Backup batteries (used in the computer backups).
- Fire Alarm Backup Batteries
- Cell Phone Site Backup Batteries
- Data Storage Backup Batteries
Proper Packaging of Scrap Batteries
The right way to prepare batteries is as follows, regardless of your number of batteries. Please know that the primary battery for recycling is lead-based batteries, and these steps are geared towards that.
Important! Make sure that you see the letters Pb or PB on the battery. This is the periodic symbol for lead, and if you start seeing different types of batteries mixed together, that is where a scrap yard will have a problem!
Steps To Scrapping Car Batteries
- Ensure the scrap battery sits in a plastic bin or pallet lined with cardboard and the terminals up. This is important because if the terminals are tipped over, on their sides, and touching, they could have a short and create a fire.
- Handling batteries that are not damaged is easy, but making sure that these batteries remain whole and not cracked is the hard part.
- If there is more than one layer of batteries to be stacked on a pallet or bin, they shouldn’t be stacked directly on top. The best thing to do is to put one or two layers of cardboard down so the terminals from the bottom battery are not touching the terminals of the top battery.
- This will be a safer transport method, and putting cardboard on top of the last layer is always the wisest option.
- If there are a lot of batteries to be stacked on a pallet and need to be put into a truck, you need to know one big thing. Shrinkwrapping them is just as important as the other steps to ensure they are secure for transportation. Don’t be shy about the amount of shrink wrap you use.
- Bring the batteries to your scrap yard, get paid, and start over again! Make sure to post the prices on the iScrap App for what you got paid for your scrap batteries.
15 Inch Clear Stretch Wrap Roll with Handles (1 Roll-1000 Feet) Heavy Duty Shrink Wrap for Moving, Packing Supplies for Wrapping Furniture, Industrial Plastic Pallet Cling
If, for some reason, an officer pulls you over while transporting batteries to the scrap yard, you will be safe. Properly wrapping and transporting the car and other batteries to your yard is vital to prevent problems. This also is good for your scrap yard to know they don’t have to worry about cracked or broken batteries they are buying.
