The answer is to take them to a local battery recycling center. This is the most environmentally responsible method because UPS batteries are sealed lead-acid units containing hazardous materials like lead and sulfuric acid, which must be processed through specialized recycling to prevent soil and water contamination. The recycling center safely extracts these materials for reuse, complying with regulations such as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your knowledge of proper hazardous waste disposal procedures, often appearing as a scenario where you must choose between recycling, regular trash, or improper dumping. A common trap is selecting “discharge and throw away,” but remember that lead-acid batteries are never household waste. Memory tip: “Lead-acid never goes in the bin; recycle to let the lead live again.”
220-1102 Environmental Awareness and Impact Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of environmental awareness and impact. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A technician is tasked with disposing of several old UPS batteries from a server room. What is the most environmentally responsible method?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Take them to a local battery recycling center.
Option B is correct because UPS batteries contain hazardous materials such as lead and sulfuric acid, which must be handled through specialized recycling processes to prevent environmental contamination. Local battery recycling centers are equipped to safely extract and reuse these materials, complying with regulations like the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) in the U.S.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Place them in the regular dumpster for pickup.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because lead-acid batteries are hazardous waste and illegal to dispose of in regular trash in most jurisdictions.
✓
Take them to a local battery recycling center.
Why this is correct
This is correct because recycling centers safely extract lead and acid for reuse, minimizing environmental harm.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Burn them in an incinerator to recover energy.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because burning lead-acid batteries releases toxic lead fumes and sulfur dioxide, causing air pollution.
✗
Store them indefinitely in a sealed container.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because indefinite storage risks leakage and does not comply with environmental regulations requiring proper disposal.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that 'recycling' is optional or that 'storing indefinitely' is a safe alternative, when in fact proper disposal through certified recycling centers is legally required for hazardous waste like UPS batteries.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
UPS batteries are typically valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) or flooded lead-acid types, containing lead plates and sulfuric acid electrolyte. Recycling involves breaking the batteries, separating the lead for smelting into new products, neutralizing the acid, and recycling the plastic casing—a process that recovers up to 99% of materials. In real-world scenarios, improper disposal can result in fines under the EPA's hazardous waste regulations, and many jurisdictions mandate recycling through certified e-waste facilities.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Environmental Awareness and Impact — This question tests Environmental Awareness and Impact — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Take them to a local battery recycling center. — Option B is correct because UPS batteries contain hazardous materials such as lead and sulfuric acid, which must be handled through specialized recycling processes to prevent environmental contamination. Local battery recycling centers are equipped to safely extract and reuse these materials, complying with regulations like the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) in the U.S.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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