Battery Recycling Facts for National Recycling Month

    DALLAS, TX, April 13, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Consumers on average have 21 battery-operated devices in their homes, but unfortunately, only one in six American households recycles its old batteries. That means most of the 2.9 billion batteries discarded each year end up in a landfill and cause unnecessary pollution. In honor of National Recycling Month in April and Earth Day on April 22, Interstate Batteries offers tips to encourage Americans to recycle.

Interstate Batteries, the #1 collector and recycler of lead-acid batteries in the United States, has made recycling a priority for more than 58 years. In fact, the company recycles far more batteries than it sells. Interstate Batteries accepts nearly all varieties of used household and automotive batteries at all Interstate All Battery Center locations and Interstate Batteries distributorships for free recycling.

"We understand the positive impact recycling has on the environment and we assist our customers by communicating ways to be more environmentally friendly," said Jon Savage, Vice President of Interstate Batteries Recycling. "Our customers are part of a successful reverse supply chain which results in 97 percent of all battery lead being recycled. This makes lead-acid batteries the most highly recycled product in the nation."

Below are some important facts about battery recycling:

- Batteries, if not properly recycled, can deposit lead, acid and mercury in lakes, streams and landfills. To prevent that, Interstate Batteries accepts all battery brands for recycling at no cost.
- Lead from batteries is recycled to make lead plates used in automotive batteries. Additionally, the recycled plastic is used as new plastic covers and cases of batteries.
- During the recycling process, battery acid is neutralized, treated and discharged to create water used in the public water system.
- Never dispose of batteries by burning them - they might explode. Recycling is the safer option.
- Today's rechargeable batteries can offer up to 1,000 times more power than non-recyclable batteries, making them an eco-friendly alternative.

As the North American leader in battery recycling, Interstate Batteries experts are available to offer more tips, fun facts on battery recycling and information about how to get the most out of your rechargeable batteries.

For more information about battery recycling, visit www.InterstateBatteries.com/recycling.

Visit us on Facebook at Interstate Batteries or follow us on Twitter at InterstateBatts for everyday tips.

About Interstate Batteries

Founded in 1952 and based in Dallas, Texas, Interstate Batteries is comprised of a privately held group of companies that sell market and distribute all types of batteries and related products. Its member companies operate retail Interstate All Battery Center stores and provide franchising opportunity and support and distribution through a state-of-the-art distribution center in Des Moines, Iowa. Interstate Batteries also provides products and services for motive and critical power needs through PowerCare Service and Solutions, Inc. Interstate Batteries is "#1 in Batteries." It's best known for its outrageous dependability - including the nation's best warranty - and has a system of nearly 300 distributors that service more than 200,000 locations, selling automotive, marine/RV, commercial and other types of SLI products throughout the United States, Canada and select international locations.

Since Interstate's beginnings, recycling batteries has been a key part of the services the company offers. Last year alone, Interstate returned more than a billion pounds of lead-acid batteries to government-regulated smelters across the United States for recycling.

Media Contacts:
Lauren Jones-McClain or Michelle Huff
(214) 379-7000
[email protected]
[email protected]

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