Does anywhere buy old car batteries?
Yes, auto shops, scrap yards, and retailers like AutoZone buy old car batteries for recycling or core charge programs. Lead-acid batteries have valuable lead plates and sulfuric acid worth $8-$12 per unit. Always remove corrosion and check state laws—some prohibit individual sales without licenses. Pro Tip: Stores offering $10–$20 gift cards often resell batteries to smelters extracting raw materials.
Best 8V Batteries for Golf Carts
Where can I sell old car batteries?
Common buyers include recycling centers, auto parts stores, and metal scrap dealers. Prices vary: scrap yards pay $0.15–$0.30/lb, while retailers like O’Reilly Auto offer core charge refunds up to $30 for replacements.
Beyond basic sales, battery recyclers like East Penn Manufacturing process 120k tons/year. Technical specs: Lead-acid batteries weigh 30–50 lbs—scrap value hinges on LME (London Metal Exchange) rates. Pro Tip: Call ahead—some buyers require intact casings to prevent acid leaks. For example, a 40lb battery at $0.25/lb nets $10. But what if your battery’s cracked? Most recyclers still accept them but deduct $2–$5 for hazmat handling. Transitionally, selling to authorized dealers ensures EPA compliance versus unlicensed junkyards.
How are payments processed for old batteries?
Buyers use cash payments, store credits, or core charge rebates. Scrap yards often pay same-day cash, while retailers like Advance Auto apply credits toward new purchases.
Practically speaking, core charges ($10–$30) require purchasing replacements. For instance, selling a battery to NAPA without buying a new one? They’ll deduct 25% as a “processing fee.” Technical note: Payments depend on lead purity—85%+ pure lead fetches 18¢/lb vs. 10¢ for mixed scrap. Pro Tip: Bring ID—California’s SB-1500 mandates tracking to prevent stolen battery sales. Ever wonder why scrap prices fluctuate? They’re tied to LME’s monthly lead rates—peaking at $1.20/lb in 2022.
| Buyer Type | Payment Method | Avg. Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Scrap Yard | Cash | $5–$15 |
| Auto Retailer | Gift Card | $10–$30 |
| Metal Recycler | Check | $8–$20 |
What prep steps boost battery resale value?
Clean terminals, secure caps, and document purchase dates. Voltage testing (≥12.4V) can qualify batteries for reuse—doubling value to $25–$50.
Technically, removing corrosion with baking soda and wire brushes prevents rejections. Retailers like AutoZone test conductance: <300 CCA (cold cranking amps) units get scrapped. Pro Tip: Tape terminals to avoid short circuits during transport—sparks risk $500 DOT fines. Imagine a battery with a 2023 date code: Recyclers pay 15% more knowing it’s not sulfated. Transitionally, wrapping batteries in plastic liners meets 49 CFR §173.159 transport rules.
Are there legal limits on selling used batteries?
Yes—federal RCRA regulations and state laws apply. California’s DTSC bans cash-for-battery deals without recycling licenses; Texas allows 5/month per person.
Under 40 CFR Part 273, sellers moving ≥12 batteries/year need EPA IDs. Pro Tip: Use certified recyclers—illegal dumping carries $10k fines. For example, Ohio’s SB-171 requires buyers to document seller IDs for batteries over 11 lbs. But what if you’re a regular seller? Register as a “very small quantity generator” to avoid violations.
| State | Max Batteries/Month | License Required? |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 0 | Yes |
| TX | 5 | No |
| FL | 10 | No |
Why recycle rather than trash old batteries?
Recycling recovers 97% lead and prevents soil contamination. Landfills charge $50/ton for hazardous waste vs. recyclers paying you.
Ecologically, one battery’s sulfuric acid can pollute 25k liters of water. Pro Tip: EPA’s 2022 data shows recycling 3M batteries saves 1.1M tons of lead ore. Think of it like this: Recycling 10 batteries = conserving 21 barrels of oil in mining costs. Plus, reused lead reduces smelting energy by 35% compared to virgin ore.
Battery Expert Insight
FAQs
Yes—scrap yards and recyclers buy dead batteries for lead content. Expect $5–$15 vs. $20+ for functional units.
Do I need a receipt to get a core charge?
Usually no, but retailers like Walmart require proof of new battery purchase for core refunds.