A battery recycler in Vernon, California, has left a troubling legacy of lead contamination in the surrounding area, with remnants of lead-acid car batteries still present in people's yards despite a decade of cleanup efforts. The recycler's century-long practice of melting down pallets of batteries has resulted in persistent environmental hazards, posing significant health risks to the local community. The situation underscores the long-lasting impact of industrial activities on the environment and the urgent need for stringent regulations to ensure the safe disposal and recycling of hazardous materials.