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Recycle batteries on April 19

AUTOMOTIVE-On Saturday, April 19, a number of AAA Battery Service contractors across the Front Range will team up to collect used car batteries for proper disposal and recycling.

Nearly 100 million lead-acid car batteries are made each year in the United States, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Each contains, on average, 21 pounds of lead, three pounds of plastic and one gallon of sulfuric acid. Improper disposal can put toxic substances into landfills, and subsequently into the groundwater.

The good news is that almost all materials in a car battery can be recycled and reused in new batteries. "93% of every car battery can be recycled indefinitely and stay out of our landfills," says Scott Soper, AAA Colorado's battery service manager.

Car batteries and other recyclable household batteries will be accepted on April 19 at the following dropoff points:

  • Marv's Quality Towing, 4790 Pearl St., Boulder. 303-444-4460.
  • Auto Towing, 50 Cascade Ct., Colorado Springs. 719-635-4288.
  • Mike's Conoco, 4880 Federal Blvd., Denver. 303-433-9114.

For updates, visit www.AAA.com/aaacares or call 303-753-8800, ext. 8113.