At Elgin Recycling we recognize the importance of recycling batteries. Nearly 99 million wet-cell lead-acid car batteries are manufactured each year. With millions of car batteries alone being produced there needs to be an outlet to recycle them as they reach their End of Life. Technology has allowed for nearly 90 percent of all lead-acid batteries who have reached their End of Life to be recycled responsibly. A typical lead-acid battery recovers 99% of the lead as a recyclable element. Lead Acid Batteries are not the only type of batteries out there needing a recycling option when it comes to their End of Life. We accept a variety of batteries at our facilities as seen listed below.

Batteries Accepted:
Lead-Acid Automobile Batteries
Medium to large, flooded cell batteries, maintenance-free, vented, rechargeable
Common Uses: Automobiles, motorcycles, boats

Non-Automotive Lead-Based Batteries:
Gel cells and sealed lead-acid batteries are commonly used to power industrial equipment, emergency lighting, and alarm systems. The same recycling process applies as with automotive batteries.

Steel Encased Batteries
Large, flooded cell batteries, lead acid, vented rechargeable
Common Uses: Forklifts, industrial machinery, motive power

UPS Batteries
Medium to large, flooded cell batteries, typically lead acid, vented, rechargeable
Common Uses: Un-interruptible Power Systems, Stationary power

Dry Cell Batteries
Button-Cell Batteries
Most small, round “button-cell” type batteries found in items such as watches and hearing aids contain mercury, silver, cadmium, lithium, or other heavy metals as their main component. Button cells are increasingly targeted for recycling because of the value of recoverable materials, their small size, and their easy handling relative to other battery types.

Rechargeable Batteries
 Nickel-cadmium (Ni-CD), nickel metal hydride, lithium ion, and small-sealed lead.