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Just FYI
From AAA press release:
Wanted: Old Vehicle Batteries
They can contaminate soil and groundwater, explode in fire and become a source of lead poisoning to people and animals.
There’s no question old automotive batteries are among the most potentially harmful items to be thrown away, and each year, Americans improperly dispose of more than 7 million of them – in some cases, illegally.
“If the batteries aren’t getting recycled, somebody’s dumping them somewhere, and the acids could leach into the ground and water,” said Roy Carlson, AAA Southern New England Automotive Services Director.
To help prevent that, AAA is hosting its annual Great Battery Roundup. The April 19 event runs from 9:30 a.m. to noon and allows motorists to dispose of old automotive and boat batteries sitting in forgotten corners of their properties.
Members also can have their current batteries tested for free.
Used batteries, which contain lead and sulfuric acid, are safely shipped to a recycling center and sorted into different parts.
The plastic can be recycled and made into many products, including furniture, paint trays, car parts, drainpipes and more cases for car batteries. The lead is melted to make products such as more car batteries, guttering and shields for X-ray machines. And the acid is treated and neutralized, and the distilled water is purified and used again.
AAA advises everyone to exercise care when handling and disposing used batteries and other vehicle-maintenance products. With batteries, wear gloves and safety glasses. Do not smoke near them or expose them to open flame.
Keep batteries upright: Place them in a cardboard box or plastic container when transporting them for recycling. Choose a leak-proof container if the battery case is cracked or leaking. Ensure they are secure and will not shift and tip over in a moving vehicle.
AAA Southern New England collected 2,013 batteries during the 2007 Roundup. For each battery turned in this year, the Club will donate $2 to Save the Harbor/Save the Bay.
Collection points will be set up at:
• AAA’s Providence Headquarters, Cranston branch and the East Providence and South Attleboro Automotive Centers
• AAA’s Automotive Centers in South Attleboro
• AAA’s offices in Leominster and Worcester
• East Providence and Dave’s Tire in Fall River.
• Parente’s Service Center in Hudson
• Granite Gulf in Milford
• Riggio’s Auto Repair in Bedford
• Mel’s Automotive in Everett
• Henry’s Towing Service in Framingham
• Tally’s Truck Center in Gloucester
• Price Towing in Salem
• Franklin Auto Transport in Stoneham
• Arto’s Service Station in Watertown.
• Bellingham Parts Plus Inc. in Bellingham
• Assured Collision Inc. in Walpole.
• Abington Sunoco in Abington
• Mag’s Towing and George’s Service in Brockton
• Harbour Chevrolet in Falmouth
• Marshfield Tire in Marshfield
• Mayflower Service in Plymouth
• Route 134 Autocare in South Dennis
• Mulzer’s Car Care in North Kingstown
• Newport Tire in Newport. orb