Queenslanders can recycle their old automotive batteries with RACQ, reducing toxic waste.

RACQ Manager Automotive Operations Mark Wessling said if not recycled, automotive, marine and deep-cycle lead-acid batteries could corrode and leak their highly toxic fluid, creating a hazard for people, wildlife and the environment.

He said lead-acid batteries made from lead, electrolyte (containing sulphuric acid) and polypropylene (plastic) were about 96% recyclable.

“The acid and lead can be hazardous and batteries should not be left sitting in the shed or dumped when no longer useful,” Mr Wessling said.

“Recycling used batteries is the best option.”

Get going with RACQ car battery replacement

RACQ aims for a battery recycling rate of 90% of the number of batteries it sells.

“For example, in a recent month we sold 16,459 batteries and we had 89% of that figure come back for recycling,” Mr Wessling said.

He explained the figure varied from month to month as the collection of ‘scrap’ batteries for recycling from remote parts of the state was not done every month.

“There are some months where we will recycle more than 100% of the number of batteries sold because we only collect scrap batteries from places like Mount Isa once every six weeks,” Mr Wessling said.

What happens to recycled batteries

During a typical recycling process:

• The lead is melted into ingots and re-used to manufacture products, including new car batteries.
• The acid is converted into sodium sulphate, which can be used to make glass, textiles, detergents and fertilisers.
• The plastic is melted and recycled for re-use in new batteries and other products, including rubbish bins, plant pots and play equipment.

How to recycle your battery

• Old lead-acid batteries can be dropped off at RACQ stockist for recycling. Click here for a list of stockists around the state.
• Do not put your old battery in your household waste or recycling bins.

Learn more about RACQ's battery recycling program