Don’t throw your used car batteries: lead prices have doubled since early 2007
Used car battery lead is the new gold, and is the new target for dumpster divers and thieves alike.
Most of us throw away our used car batteries or simply leave them at the mechanics’ or battery dealers’ premises.
In May 2006 I bought my batteries for RM140. Earlier this month, buying from the same shop, it cost me RM210. The guy said if I came in a little later and the new stock comes in, I would have to cough up RM250.
There has been an increase in the prices of lead on the international market, and used car batteries have lead inside them.
According to The Star’s newsreport:
A senior officer of a car battery factory said the price of lead on the London Metal Exchange had shot up from US$1,600 (RM5,325.82) a metric tonne early this year to US$3,600 (RM11,983) this month.
He said one could sell a used battery from a car at between RM30 and RM40 while the price for a used lorry battery was between RM150 and RM200.
