Energy...

Remember that car that had so many battery problems you finally donated it to charity rather than fix the junker? Of course you do. There's a stack of batteries in the corner of the garage serving as a testament to that crappy car. Rid yourself of the physical and mental anguish caused by cobwebbed, old batteries crouching in the dark by recycling them, with help from AAA.

The AAA Great Battery Round-Up happens each year near Earth Day, which falls on April 22. The auto club estimates that over five million used lead-acid car, truck, boat, and motorcycle batteries are wasting away in workshops across America rather than being taken in to be recycled, despite the fact that many states have laws requiring batteries to be recycled. Some states even ask that you bring in the old battery or pay a deposit when you buy a new one.

AAA warns that those long-ignored batteries could be leaking acid, which is harmful to pets, children, and the environment in general. And for the love of Al Gore, don't throw those things in the dumpster -- not even the one at the apartment complex down the street. There's 21 pounds of lead in there, along with a gallon of sulfuric acid. Yikes. Not to worry: a surprising (to me) 97% of the lead in these batteries can be used in new batteries; the acid can be recycled, neutralized, or converted into a product useful in fertilizers and dyes.

In most places, the Battery Round-Up will take place over several days, maybe even a couple weeks. For exact dates in your area, check with your local AAA or CAA (that's the Canadian version; they're down with it, too).