Sustainable
Lead batteries are the most recycled consumer product in the U.S., with an unending product lifecycle. Modern lead battery manufacturing and recycling facilities are innovative, clean and operate responsibly to support safe, clean communities.
Fast facts
HIGHLY RECYCLED
The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) reports that lead batteries have a 99% recycling rate, making them the most recycled consumer product in the U.S.
SUSTAINABLY MADE
A new lead battery, on average, is comprised of more than 80% recycled lead battery material.
GREEN ENERGY
Lead batteries are used worldwide in hybrid and electric vehicles to store and optimize renewable energy and as a vital energy source in remote areas.
Essential
Lead batteries are an essential, irreplaceable link in connecting, powering and protecting our way of life. They safeguard critical communications, power transportation and logistical networks that fuel our economy, and support back-up power systems that protect life, investments and data in an emergency.
Fast facts
TRANSPORTATION
Every mass-produced car and truck (nearly 255 million) and more than 65% of all forklifts in the U.S. contain and rely on lead batteries.
LIFE-SAVING POWER
In thousands of hospitals across the globe, lead batteries save lives by providing emergency power for life-saving equipment.
RELIABLE CONNECTION
Lead batteries ensure that when the power goes out, the Internet stays on – supporting a communication infrastructure of more than $1 trillion.
Innovative
Lead batteries continue to advance, meeting our nation’s changing energy needs and pushing the boundaries of what is possible to ensure peak performance and power for everyone.
Fast facts
INCREASED LIFE CYCLE
Lead battery life has increased by 30-35% in the last 20 years.
TRANSFORMATIVE ENERGY
Innovative advancements in lead batteries have allowed for greater use in renewable wind and solar applications.
REDUCED VEHICLE EMISSIONS
By 2020, it is predicted that 2 million tons of vehicle greenhouse gas emissions will be eliminated each year through the use of advanced start-stop lead batteries (equivalent to the energy used by 211,000 average U.S. households).
Safe
Unlike newer battery technologies, lead batteries have a long history of reliable use in critical industries such as transportation, communications, security, medical, and aviation. Lead battery technology is straightforward and well understood. When used properly, consumers can be confident that lead batteries are a safe energy source for their everyday energy needs.
Fast facts
STRONG SAFETY RECORD
Lead batteries operate reliably at wide ranging ambient temperatures and in every geographical location from hot desert conditions to cold arctic environments.
REGULATORY PROTECTION
U.S. battery manufacturing operates under some of the most rigorous and extensive worker and environmental protection standards in the world. In the 2017 Impact Report from the Sustainable Consortium, lead battery manufacturing was recognized for its strong record on worker health and safety.
ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE
Modern closed-loop recycling safely recovers valuable materials for use in new batteries, under tight environmental controls and without landfilling.