Old Batteries

[Samwaldo]

We have had batteries over the years cluttering up space. when I go into our storage room, the 2005 batteries are always noticeable. These batteries along with many others are useless, and just taking up space. We actually have a unfortunate tradition/curse, that at every regional we attend, someone always packs a 2006 battery, even after we tell the team to pack only batteries that are from the past 2-3 years.

So my question is where can we dispose of such large batteries? We are located in Brookfield, CT, so Conneticut teams may know places.

[JohnChristensen]

A lot of places will take lead acid batteries. Is there a BatteriesPlus or Walmart near by, if so, I would call them and ask if they will take them. In Minnesota, we have a deposit on lead acid batteries and so most stores will take them free of charge.

[DonRotolo]

Any auto parts store would be pleased to recycle them, since they are worth a few dollars. Most repair shops would also be pleased.

Lead-acid batteries are the most recycled product of any type. The lead, the acid, and even the plastic are recycled.

In any case, these batteries contain toxic materials and should be recycled, never placed in trash.

[wouldwurker]

If you check the 2012 Safety Manual, they talk about recycling old batteries and I believe give you a link to places who will accept old FIRST batteries for free. We recycled two batteries last year at one of our sponsors' business.

[Kevin Sevcik]

Since these are motorcycle batteries, you're pretty safe taking them into any auto parts store for recycling, really.

[Dad1279]

I took ours to a scrapyard/recycling facility and got paid.

Last summer they were paying $10 for car batteries, gave us $50 for 7 or 8 robot batteries.

[colin340]

we had $150 worth of them kicking around!! find a place that pays for them because Walmart doesn't need the money.

[MrForbes]

We have a good sized collection of old batteries too, I was thinking they could ride along on my next trip to the metal scrapyard, the robot team could use the money.

I was also planning to take some used up aluminum. It's worth about $0.50 a pound, if it is "clean" (no steel parts in it, such as screws or rivets)

[Kevin Sevcik]

Originally Posted by MrForbes

We have a good sized collection of old batteries too, I was thinking they could ride along on my next trip to the metal scrapyard, the robot team could use the money.

I was also planning to take some used up aluminum. It's worth about $0.50 a pound, if it is "clean" (no steel parts in it, such as screws or rivets)

Since 57 is in the same city as our home regional, we usually end up donating most of our old/used/scrap aluminum and steel to the regional for use by other teams. I'm told it's saved many a team's bacon over the years.