Safe Handling for Lead-Acid and Automotive Batteries

T & T Iron and Metals offers battery recycling services for customers across East Dubuque IL, Savanna IL, and Monticello IA.

If you run a repair shop or maintain a fleet, you know that used batteries pile up quickly and cannot sit outside indefinitely without risking leaks. T & T Iron and Metals accepts lead-acid and automotive batteries at our East Dubuque IL, Savanna IL, and Monticello IA facilities, where each unit is handled using containment methods that prevent acid spills during transport and storage. You bring the batteries in any time during operating hours, and the team weighs them and logs the delivery before moving them to a designated holding area.

The service is available to individual vehicle owners, contractors, and commercial accounts throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. You receive fair pricing based on current lead market rates, and bulk deliveries are welcome if you coordinate timing in advance. Once collected, the batteries are sent to certified processors where lead, plastic casings, and sulfuric acid are separated and refined for reuse in new batteries and other products.

If you need a dependable place to recycle automotive or industrial batteries, contact T & T Iron and Metals at any of our East Dubuque IL, Savanna IL, or Monticello IA locations to confirm accepted types and current pricing.

What happens to batteries after you drop them off

You deliver your batteries to any of our East Dubuque IL, Savanna IL, or Monticello IA facilities, where staff inspect each unit for damage and place them in acid-resistant containers designed to hold leaking or cracked cases. The batteries are weighed individually or in bulk, and you receive a receipt that reflects the total weight and agreed price. If you bring batteries from a commercial operation, the team can arrange regular pickup schedules to keep your shop or garage clear.

After you leave, the batteries are transported to a regional recycling facility where they are cracked open in controlled environments. Lead plates are melted and purified, plastic cases are shredded and reformed, and sulfuric acid is either neutralized or converted into sodium sulfate for detergents and textiles. You will notice that your load no longer sits in a corner collecting dust or posing a spill risk, and the materials you delivered are back in the supply chain within weeks.

This service covers standard automotive batteries, deep-cycle batteries, and most lead-acid types used in equipment and backup power systems. It does not include lithium-ion or household alkaline batteries, which require different handling. You should not attempt to drain or dismantle batteries before delivery, as improper handling increases the chance of acid burns or lead exposure.

What you should know before bringing batteries in

People who recycle batteries for the first time often ask about safe transport, pricing factors, and whether damaged units are still accepted.

What types of batteries does T & T Iron and Metals accept?
The facility accepts lead-acid batteries from cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, forklifts, and backup power systems. Lithium-ion and alkaline household batteries are not accepted due to different processing requirements.
How should I transport used batteries to the facility?
You should place batteries upright in a plastic bin or crate that can contain any acid leaks during the drive to any of our East Dubuque IL, Savanna IL, or Monticello IA facilities. Do not stack batteries directly on top of each other, and avoid tipping them over in your truck bed or trunk.
What is the pricing based on for battery recycling?
You are paid based on the total weight of the batteries and the current market price for lead. Pricing fluctuates with commodity markets, so it is helpful to call ahead if you are bringing a large quantity and want an estimate.
Why is it important to recycle batteries instead of throwing them away?
Batteries contain lead and sulfuric acid, both of which contaminate groundwater and soil if they leak in a landfill. Recycling through T & T Iron and Metals captures these materials and keeps them in a closed loop where they are reused in manufacturing.
When can I drop off batteries at our locations?
Our East Dubuque IL, Savanna IL, and Monticello IA facilities are open during regular business hours on weekdays and have limited availability on weekends. If you are delivering more than a dozen batteries, it helps to call ahead so the team can prepare containment and weighing equipment.

T & T Iron and Metals has handled battery recycling across the tri-state area for years from our East Dubuque IL, Savanna IL, and Monticello IA locations, and their staff understands the safety protocols required to manage lead-acid units without incident. If you have batteries that need to leave your property and you want to work with a trusted regional recycler, learn more about current rates and drop-off procedures by reaching out today.