AAA Calls On Public To Turn In Used, Lead-Acid Batteries
The AAA New Jersey Automobile Club Kicks Off Great Battery Roundup®
April 6, 2006 – In commemoration of Earth Day, the AAA New Jersey Automobile Club and its team of battery service professionals want the public’s help in hunting down what is estimated to be more than 5 million used lead-acid automotive and marine batteries.
With an estimated 248 million vehicles on the road in North America, the proper use and disposal of batteries, tires and various types of automotive fluids are crucial to a healthy environment.
The car battery, a renewable source of vehicle power, contains lead that is 97% recyclable. However, millions of these batteries often end up in garages, backyards and storage sheds where they may be creating an environmental and safety hazard.
“AAA is on a mission to educate the public about the potential dangers of having old lead, acid batteries in our homes while also encouraging battery recycling,” said Pam Fischer, the Club’s vice president of public affairs. “With the price of lead now on the rise, recycling batteries can also help keep the price of new batteries down – an extra incentive to recycle.”
Motorists can make sure used batteries are safely returned to recycling plants by bringing them to specific collection points for shipment. During Earth Week, April 17-23, a Battery Assist vehicle will be on hand at the Club’s branch offices to accept old marine and automotive batteries and give your vehicle a free battery and electrical service check. If the check reveals that your existing car battery should be replaced, the AAA technician can install a new battery for you on the spot. In addition, each individual who drops off an old battery and/or has his vehicle battery tested, will be entered into a drawing to win a free replacement battery from AAA Battery Assist (winner will be selected on May 1.) Mark your calendars for these sites and times:
AAA Clark, 58 Central Ave., Shop-Rite Plaza – Tuesday, April 18, 9 a.m. – 7p.m.
AAA West Orange, Essex Green Shopping Center, 495 Prospect Ave. – Wednesday, April 19, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
AAA Springfield, 24 Echo Plaza Shopping Center – Thursday, April 20, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
AAA Randolph, 711 Route 10 East – Friday, April 21, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
AAA Florham Park, 1 Hanover Road – Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Old batteries will also be accepted at participating AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities from April 18-23 during regular business hours. For a list of participating facilities, visit www.aaa.com and click on the “Great Battery Roundup” icon on the homepage. For each battery collected during the Roundup, the AAA New Jersey Automobile Club Foundation for Safety & Education will donate $1.50 to the New Jersey Chapter of The Nature Conservancy.
“We’re delighted that AAA chose to support The Nature Conservancy as part of its annual AAA Battery Roundup,” said Barbara Brummer, Ph.D., executive director of The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey. “We’re especially gratified that so many of our state’s conservation minded citizens will help us celebrate Earth Week by helping protect our natural legacy for future generations.”
As the nation’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides its 49 million members in the United States and Canada with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety of all travelers.
The AAA New Jersey Automobile Club, through offices in Clark, Florham Park, Randolph, Springfield and West Orange, serves the residents of Essex, Morris and Union Counties.
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