Lead Acid Battery Lifecycle: When and How to Recycle

Introduction

Lead-acid batteries are really the unsung hero of our daily life. It's what supplies power to backup systems for critical infrastructure, cars, and rugged energy storage devices that have been on the scene for more than a century.

What happens to them after they have served their purpose? Let's learn the lifecycle of a lead-acid battery and the all-important process of recycling.
The life span of lead acid batteries depends on type and use. For instance, automotive batteries can last up to 3 to 5 years, deep cycle batteries used in renewable energy systems can last up to 10 years under proper care. But how do you know when your battery is reaching the end of its useful life?At Sandeep Lead Alloys, we recommend checking for these key indicators:

1. Sluggish engine crank or start

2. Dim headlights or other electronic problems

3. Enlargement or bloating of the battery case

4. Leaking fluid or excessive corrosion around the terminals

Due to aging, the batteries have been losing the capacity for holding charges; hence performance is not only low but also can be hazardous to safety. That's where proper recycling comes into play.This is where companies like Sandeep Lead Alloys come into play. With its most modern manufacturing plant responsible for producing quality lead and its alloys, it is at the forefront of the recycling process. The large manufacturing plant has an integrated capacity to produce over 5000 metric tonnes of lead per month, thus effectively reintegrating recycled lead back into the production cycle.The recycling of lead acid batteries, on the other hand, isn't being done solely for the purpose of not causing harm to the environment; it's done for resource conservation. So basically, almost 99% of a lead acid battery can be recycled, thus making them one of the most recycled consumer products.

But how do you know when your battery needs to be recycled?

You can conduct some basic tests that can help you:

1. Visual inspection: Look for cracks, leakages, and heavy rusting.

2. Voltage test: On a fully charged battery, it is about 12.6 volts.

3. Load test: Putting a load to the battery tests whether it is able to hold that charge.

If your battery fails these tests or shows clear signs of degradation, then that is the time to recycle. Sandeep Lead Alloys can be at your disposal, ensuring that your old battery is managed responsibly, with the efficient return of materials back into the production cycle.Remember, correct recycling of lead acid batteries is not just an environmentally responsible practice—it is often legally required. Many jurisdictions have established standards on how to dispose of these batteries, and it usually involves the services of professional recyclers.By contacting a company such as Sandeep Lead Alloys to recycle your old batteries, you are doing more than just waste management; you are contributing to a sustainable future. So, next time your car battery goes dead or you want to update your solar system, keep in mind—your old battery is not rubbish. It is a treasure waiting to be recreated anew. Make the right choice and have your lead- acid batteries properly recycled.