Turn In Spent Lead-Acid Batteries on Earth Day

    CHICAGO, April 19 In celebration of Earth Day 2001,
Battery Council International [BCI] reminds consumers to check their garages,
boathouses and tool sheds for any spent -- or used -- lead-acid batteries, and
turn them in for recycling.  According to BCI, which represents the country's
manufacturers and recyclers of lead-acid batteries, most retail outlets that
sell new batteries will accept old car, boat, motorcycle, garden tractor and
other lead-acid batteries for recycling.

    "When you need a battery, you want it to be fresh and fully charged," said
Ronald M. Pogue, BCI president.  "If you are saving an old battery with a
little life left in it, you'll be better served by turning it in for recycling
than by getting stranded when the old battery reaches the end of its useful
life."

    A new lead-acid battery contains almost 100 percent recycled lead and
plastic. Four groups have made lead batteries one of the most enduring
environmental success stories.

    *  BCI was instrumental in developing the infrastructure by working with
       legislatures in 37 states to pass laws requiring consumers to turn in a
       spent battery at the purchase of a new one, or pay a deposit.

    *  Consumers make the process work by turning in spent batteries.

    *  Retailers play a critical role by collecting the spent batteries and
       turning them over to manufacturers delivering new batteries to the
       retailer.

    *  Recyclers reclaim the lead, plastic and acid and send it to
       manufacturers, who make new batteries with recycled materials.

    "The lead-acid battery industry is the leader in closed-loop recycling
today and has been using the closed-loop model for 70 years," said Mr. Pogue.
"Battery Council International developed the model legislation more than 12
years ago to promote the closed-loop system and to help states insure that
lead-acid batteries are collected and recycled."

    Besides starting cars and trucks and boats, lead-acid batteries propel
commercial electric vehicles; back up computer, telephone and emergency
systems; help public utilities shift electrical loads; provide clean power in
remote locations; and power weapons and national defense systems.  Lead-acid
batteries are the product of choice for commercial and recreational electric
vehicles, including forklifts, airport ground vehicles, mine vehicles and golf
cars.