Communities asked to participate in Great Battery Roundup |
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By Katelyn Gendron
Reminder Assistant Editor
In honor of Earth Day, April 22, AAA Pioneer Valley is encouraging all those in the area to help clean up Mother Earth during the Great Battery Roundup Challenge.
"[This is our] first Community Challenge," Sandra Marsian, vice president of membership, marketing and public relations for AAA Pioneer Valley, said. "[We want people] to not only see the value [of recycling] to our planet but we also give the money [from the recycling proceeds] back to a charity of their choice."
Marsian noted that last year 250 automobile, marine and motorcycle batteries were collected, totaling about $2,000. She added that over five million dead batteries are still in circulation and not recycled.
James Kashmanian, manager for automotive services at AAA Pioneer Valley, noted that between 60 and 80 percent of batteries can be recycled.
Car batteries contain lead that is 97 percent recyclable. Recycling lead can also help to keep the cost of new car batteries down, as the cost of recycled lead is cheaper, Marsian said.
Kashmanian noted that many batteries are being disposed of in dumpsters or being stored in the home, which can cause safety hazards by releasing toxic gases or leaking liquid.
"We have no idea what to expect but hope [the challenge] will allow people to be motivated for the environment or for their own charity," Marsian said.
Lead-acid car, truck, boat and motorcycle batteries can be dropped off at any AAA Pioneer Valley Office or any AAA Approved Auto Repair facility. Individuals or groups that collect 10 or more batteries can call the office to arrange for pickup.
Groups wishing to enter the Great Battery Roundup Challenge must register by April 22 at www.aaa.com/promo.
To sign up at a AAA Pioneer Valley branch, visit www.aaa.com/branches to find the nearest location.
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