How to Dispose of Car Batteries

Car batteries contain many different chemicals, some of them toxic, that can seep into the ground and cause grievous harm if not disposed of properly. Because of what they are made from, you cannot dispose of car batteries by simply tossing them in the trash - it is illegal in most states to not properly dispose of them. Car batteries are also very beneficial when recycled, and almost all of the lead in batteries can be recycled and used again to create new batteries. Here is how to dispose of car batteries properly, and insure they will be recycled instead of wasted:

Instructions

1. Trade Your Old Car Battery In

   Many stores that sell new car batteries will accept your old battery as a "trade-in," which can save you a few bucks on your purchase. Contact your local auto parts store to see what their battery policy is. Even if they don't offer money for used batteries, at the very least, they will probably accept your battery and dispose of it for you.

2. Contact the Shop Where You Purchased Your Batter

   Some auto parts stores charge you a fee for your new battery, and return the money when you return the old battery. This is the encourage the recycling of car batteries, because almost 100% of the lead found in batteries can be reused to make new ones. Again, if they don't have a payment policy for batteries, they should be able to dispose of your car battery for you for free, or if they can't, direct you to someone who can.

3. Check Out a Junk Yard

   Many junk yards offer cash for used batteries, or have a free recycling program. Call your local junk yard to see if they can help you dispose of your used car batteries.

4. Visit a Recycling or Scrap Center

   Some areas have a local recycling center or scrap business which take in old junk, including car batteries, that they then resell for a profit to others. In most cases, they will offer you money for your used battery. The reason scrap and recycling centers will take in batteries in because the lead contained in them can be valuable when scrapped and used for many other reasons. While it's very difficult for you to sell your single car battery off for scrap lead, a scrap dealer who collects dozens will have no trouble at all. If you'd rather recycle instead of dispose of your car batteries, this is the best route to go and make a little money in the process.

5. Call the Town's Municipal Building

   Many towns have a local recycling program managed by the local government. They collect all sorts of recyclable materials, from glass and newspaper to scrap metal and car batteries, to keep these materials out of landfills and put them to good use. While you probably won't make any money this way, it's an easy way to dispose of car batteries without breaking the law or harming the environment.