Bad Battery How to Dispose and Can it Still Explode

[EllenT]

So yesterday I plugged my TT in so I could winterize it and have the heat on while doing so (VERY cold here in the Chicago area). I got some stuff done and planned to finish it up over the weekend so I left it plugged in. This morning we all noticed a smell like sewage between the house and the trailer. As the day goes on the smell gets worse. I finally went over and inspected the entire area closely and realized that the rotten egg smell was coming from the battery. I *quickly* unplugged it and removed the propane tanks that were right behind it. I waited an hour and then removed the battery from the trailer and have moved it to a corner of our lawn which is by our bedroom.What am I supposed to do with this battery? How do I dispose of it? Since it's been unplugged, is there still a chance that it can explode?

from what I have read, it sounds like the battery ran dry (I didn't even know we were supposed to check them regular) even though the batter is new and was just installed in March. In the spring I'll have our converter checked as well as the rest of the electrical system. Any other ideas as to what would run the battery dry like that and HOW do you check the fluid levels?

Thanks for any help & insight!

[bdreinv]

Originally Posted by EllenT

So yesterday I plugged my TT in so I could winterize it and have the heat on while doing so (VERY cold here in the Chicago area). I got some stuff done and planned to finish it up over the weekend so I left it plugged in. This morning we all noticed a smell like sewage between the house and the trailer. As the day goes on the smell gets worse. I finally went over and inspected the entire area closely and realized that the rotten egg smell was coming from the battery. I *quickly* unplugged it and removed the propane tanks that were right behind it. I waited an hour and then removed the battery from the trailer and have moved it to a corner of our lawn which is by our bedroom.What am I supposed to do with this battery? How do I dispose of it? Since it's been unplugged, is there still a chance that it can explode?

from what I have read, it sounds like the battery ran dry (I didn't even know we were supposed to check them regular) even though the batter is new and was just installed in March. In the spring I'll have our converter checked as well as the rest of the electrical system. Any other ideas as to what would run the battery dry like that and HOW do you check the fluid levels?

Thanks for any help & insight!

Recyclers buy them here in Phoenix not for much,keeps them out of the landfills!

[North of 49°]

Lead acid batteries are recyclable: lead, plastics, other metals, etc. Look online or in the yellow pages (do they still print those?) for recyclers in your area and they will usually take them free of charge. Also, if you buy a new battery, the place you purchase it from will take the old one as a core return.

As for checking the fluid levels, here's a good online resource with photos and videos. They can explain it better than I can.

https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Car-Battery-Water-Levels

[LiftedAWDAstro]

If you just got it in March, I would return it for a free warranty replacement!

If you do want to recycle it, any auto parts store will take them and scrap yards around here pay around $0.30 a pound. A 40# battery will get you around $12!

[NC Roamer]

When buying a lead acid battery in North Carolina you must either turn in the old one or they add a "core charge" to the bill. Keeps them out of the landfill.

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by NC Roamer

When buying a lead acid battery in North Carolina you must either turn in the old one or they add a "core charge" to the bill. Keeps them out of the landfill.

Same in Minnesota.

When you go get a new battery, bring it in with you.

As for checking the battery, I do it about twice a year. On the tip of the battery you will see to rectangular caps. I use a long narrow scree driver to pop them off. The fluid level should be right to the bottom of the plastic well. Never let the fluid level get bellow the top of the lead cell. ONLY refill with DISTILLED water. Never use any other type of water. The minerals will ruin the battery, by dramatically shortening it's life.

I would try to get a warranty replacement.

[bdreinv]

Be sure to fill it before you return it so they don't try and void warranty!Thanks

[RoyBraddy]

Most landfills have a special pile to recycle dead batteries... I've got four or five here at my place that needs to go the dump or tuned in somewhere...

ALot of battery places will take almost any brand of dead batteries for a replacement core when you buy a new one. Our local NAPA has a spot outside where you drop off the core. They don't even look at it haha... Same goes for WALMART. I take my dead lawn mower battery inside the store in the cart. I pick up my new one and check out at a special place where they have an indoor battery pile. No one looks at those dead cores... All they see is you dropping off a dead battery.

Probably different at other places but this what I experience around here...

Roy Ken

[cekkk]

I don't know about all of Illinois but the Lincoln Park Costco will take your old core when you purchase a battery. If you don't have it, there will be a $15 core charge. o