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Over 90% of the lead-acid batteries you are disposing of are ending up with the informal sector. They are not only being unscientifically disposed and dismantled, but also polluting the environment in a major way. These are the findings of a new report released by Delhi-based environmental NGO—Toxics Link on Tuesday. The report titled ‘Loaded batteries: Mapping the toxic waste trail’ also revealed that most workers in the informal sector were operating without protective equipment like gloves, masks, aprons and shoes, which leaves them at a risk of lead poisoning. The study also surveyed markets in Delhi, finding that close to 72% of the shops were selling the lead-acid batteries collected, directly to the kabadiwallas. “Reason for giving away lead-acid batteries to kabadiwallas was convenience of pick-up and lack of storage space. They also cited billing issues, involving time consuming paper work, as a major concern while dealing with distributors and formal recyclers,” said the study.