Recently, IBM, AT&T and Sprint have announced they will no longer export any used lead batteries from the USA to Mexico for recycling owing to pollution and health concerns. It is estimated that this move will result in the loss of US＄ 10 million worth of trade. The three companies use large numbers of lead batteries in server farms and mobile phone towers for back-up power and sell their used batteries to recyclers. Now they say damning reports of 'inadequate recycling procedures' in Mexico have forced them to reconsider their activities. The Mexican government is therefore needed to improve their environmental laws and enforcement because more and more US companies will refuse to have work done there. Actually, regulating extremely hazardous industries is not just good public health policy, but it is also important for economic development. As a result of this action, additional measures are required to ensure the protection of both workers and communities in the vicinity of Mexican recycling sites.

Source: http://www.recyclinginternational.com/recycling-news/8286/e-scrap-and-batteries/mexico/stop-battery-flows-usa-mexico