V.I. residents are being encouraged to return used lead-acid batteries to the stores where they were purchased in order to avoid irreparable damage to the environment from leaking or burning old batteries.
The Anti-Litter and Beautification Commission reminded Virgin Islanders not to throw away old batteries in dumpsters or in the bush or ocean. Those in dumpsters can end up in landfill, where fires have been known to occur; burning batteries give off toxic fumes, and those buried are prone to leaking lead and sulfuric acid into groundwater and the surrounding environment, harming wildlife and flora.
Among the stores where batteries can be returned are: Western Auto, Rodriguez Auto Parts, Caribbean Batteries, Frenchtown Tire and Battery, NAPA Auto Parts, Caribbean Auto Mart, Caravan Auto Services on St. John, Budget Marine Store and Tropical Marine. Western Auto gives a discount toward the purchase of a new battery when one is returned; Caribbean Batteries accepts used batteries whether purchased there or not.
