It is important to know Is It Legal To Throw Car Batteries In The Ocean? You are no longer in US territorial seas if you go far enough into the ocean before throwing your batteries overboard. Therefore apparently, US law has no say in the matter.
It might be cheaper to recycle them than to rent a boat that can safely take you and your batteries far enough out (however attractive the prospect of sticking it to the environazis maybe). Any store selling auto parts will take them, and most will do so for free and without questions.
Is It Legal To Throw Car Batteries In The Ocean?
No, that is never a good approach to get rid of a worn-out or outdated car battery. This method of battery disposal is dangerous for the environment and your health. Car batteries’ extended lifespan and charge are due to the lead and acid that they contain. Both are advantageous for the batteries but seriously endanger your health and the environment.
They can contaminate the soil and water if they begin to leak. A car battery can be disposed of in various methods that won’t hurt anyone. Sending it to any recycling facility is among the best ways to accomplish this. A survey revealed that recycling batteries are economical and the best strategy to protect the environment simultaneously. Not to mention, you can get compensated in some nations to recycle your automobile batteries.
There Are Several Legal Restrictions On Disposing Of Vehicle Batteries In The Ocean
Depending on the state where we live, tossing batteries into the ocean may or may not be prohibited. Due to this, we shall outline several laws that various states have regarding recycling and disposing of spent batteries in the ocean.
- Used lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries must, with some exceptions, fall under the purview of universal waste, according to U.S. federal law.
- According to California legislation, people must either take their batteries to a recycling facility or recycle them. For this reason, numerous locations are available, including brokerage or storage facilities.
- One of the states with the quickest growth in recycling is Connecticut. The fact that the state officially forces people to recycle numerous products, including batteries, contributes to this high percentage.
- Another illustration of the breadth of clever recycling can be found in Arizona. Retailers of rechargeable batteries in Arizona are required to offer a free way for customers to recycle or dispose of the batteries safely. Arizona law enforcement must adhere to this regulation.
- All enterprises in Colorado are required by law to recycle, including for-profit companies, governmental and private organizations, hospitals, and educational institutions.
- People must recycle batteries in Texas as well, according to the legislation. Owners must deliver the batteries to a universal waste manager or a residential hazardous waste disposal facility.
- All Vermont citizens are lawfully required to recycle sealed lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries.
- A law on lithium-ion battery recycling is also in place in New Jersey.
- Used batteries cannot be disposed of in Washington; consumers must return them to the manufacturer for recycling or destruction.
- For the proper disposal of batteries, Oregon has specific guidelines. They cannot just be dumped in the water or trash.
The Reasons For Not Throwing Batteries Into The Ocean
You should know that a typical automotive battery has around 20 pounds of lead and acid. That’s a lot of lead for such a tiny device. The issue with this scenario is that lead might become a major hassle because lead is so polluting if we don’t treat the batteries properly. The following arguments will help to clarify why it is not advisable to dispose of batteries in the ocean.
Chemicals From Batteries Can Leak Into The Water.
When we dump the batteries into the sea, this is usually what happens. Acids, lead, and other battery compounds damage aquatic flora and wildlife. Additionally, this leak will contaminate a significant body of water, harming people’s health.
Decomposition Might Take Years.
Battery breakdown takes a very long time. Because of this reality, if we dump a battery into the ocean, it will contaminate the water for years, damaging the habitat and way of life of various marine creatures. Knowing that lead poisoning can have serious side effects, including behavioral and academic difficulties in young people, is critical.
These contaminants are present in the water but are unfortunately not very obvious. We might be exposed to lead poisoning from batteries thrown into the water while spending a sweet day at the beach with the family and kids.
Because it is prohibited, we shouldn’t do it.
It’s against the law to throw a battery into the ocean, as was covered in earlier parts. Regarding this subject, each state has its environmental regulations. Everyone agrees, though, that it is illegal to conduct that will have repercussions for the individuals involved.
Final Verdict
Despite what many believe, it is against the law in the United States to dispose of damaged batteries in the water. It is crucial to make clear that different states have different laws regarding disposing of batteries in the water.
Doing things correctly is, therefore, the best advice that can be given. A typical automobile battery has a life expectancy of three to four years. The optimum moment to put a brand-new battery in your car is when it starts to annoy you after serving its purpose.
So what should you do with the outdated and failing battery? Is It Legal To Throw Car Batteries In The Ocean? There are several different techniques to get rid of batteries. Its cost-effectiveness and global ubiquity make recycling and reuse the ideal option.
