Sixty to 80 percent of all lead produced in the United States is utilized by the lead-acid battery industry. Approximately 80 million batteries were manufactured for automobiles, trucks, motor cycles, airplanes, and industrial vehicles in 1991. The automobile and truck batteries have a life span of three to four years, while motor cycle batteries last for approximately two years. Landfills have served as final disposal sites for car and truck batteries. Extensive recycling efforts were implemented to minimize the amount of lead-acid batteries being deposited in landfills. This study evaluates industry-wide practices in lead-acid battery recycling efforts. The composition of the lead-acid batteries and recycling methods for battery components is discussed. The battery recycling and disposal trends and relationship between vehicle use and battery disposal are evaluated.
