Mon, April 18th 2022 02.35
AAA of Central and Western New York
Held in conjunction with Earth Day, the AAA “Great Battery Roundup” is designed to encourage motorists to take old automotive or marine lead-acid batteries to a local collection point where they can be safely recycled and formed into new batteries. AAA Western New York and Central New York are happy to again participate in this convenient program.
AAA Western and Central New York have established numerous battery collection points to assist with the recycling effort. AAA will also donate all fees for recycling to charities that work towards improving the environment.
Around 97% of vehicle battery are recycled each year. The remaining 3% contain millions of pounds of lead, and gallons worth of sulfuric acid. These chemicals can be released into the environment and pose a fire hazard and health risk to humans and animals.
Motorists can take part in AAA Western and Central New York’s free lead-based battery recycling – any brand or type of lead-acid or AGM batteries will be accepted, including car, boat and RV batteries, however, lithium batteries are not eligible. Dropoff hours are Wednesday April 20 through Saturday April 23. Weekday hours are Wednesday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday hours are 8 am.m. – 1 p.m.
These are some of the locations in Buffalo, New York:
√ AAA Western New York Fleet Operations, 505 Duke Road, Suite 500, Cheektowaga
√ Bellreng’s Towing and Automotive, 2131 Eggert Road, Amherst
√ Transit Auto & Detail, 2021 Transit Road, Elma
√ Friday only: AAA Amherst Branch, 100 International Drive, Amherst
Did you know? Batteries can be dangerous.
√ Lead-acid batteries are considered hazardous material. Protective eyewear is recommended for anyone who handles a battery. Proper handling can prevent injuries. Batteries should not be placed in direct flames as they can leak hydrogen gas and emit it.
√ If improperly stored, a battery may leak, causing sulfuric acid burns and even explosions. You could also be charged a steep penalty for disposing of an old battery. For disposing of lead-acid batteries outside of an authorized collection or recycling facility, many states impose harsh penalties and jail time.
AAA replaces batteries on-the go
√ Since 1998, AAA has dispatched mobile units to test batteries, and install new batteries on the spot, if requested. Technicians take used batteries to recycling centres. AAA’s Mobile Battery Service is available in most areas. Use the AAA mobile app to request service (www.AAA.com/Mobile), at www.AAA.com/BatteryCall 1-800-836-CLUB or email us
Batteries are a success story in recycling.
√ An automotive battery contains about 21 pounds of lead, three pounds of plastic and one gallon of sulfuric acid. Recycled batteries contain lead, three pounds of plastic, and one gallon of sulfuric acid.
√ The lead-acid battery industry was an early innovator of “closed loop” recycling and remains a leader in this efficient, economical process. This process uses materials from old batteries to make new units.
√ Lead costs are on the rise, so recycling spent batteries not only protects the environment, but also reclaims valuable lead and plastic for manufacturing, saving energy and money on raw materials.
As upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA Western and Central New York provides more than 887,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. AAA has been a pioneer in ensuring the safety and security to all travelers since its founding in 1900. Visit AAA www.AAA.com.