How to Safely Dispose of a Car Battery

Why Car Batteries Are Hazardous

A standard lead-acid car battery contains approximately 18 pounds of lead and a gallon of sulfuric acid. Both are hazardous materials:

• Lead is a toxic heavy metal that does not break down in the environment. It contaminates soil and water and causes serious health problems in humans and animals.
• Sulfuric acid is highly corrosive. It can cause chemical burns on contact with skin and releases toxic fumes if overheated or improperly stored.

Because of these hazards, car batteries are classified as hazardous waste under Oregon DEQ regulations and federal EPA rules. They cannot go in regular trash, in a dumpster, or to a standard transfer station mixed with regular waste.

The good news: car batteries are the most recycled consumer product in the United States. Over 99 percent are recycled, and the infrastructure for doing so is widespread and well-established.

Auto Parts Store Take-Back

The easiest way to dispose of a car battery is at any auto parts store. They are required to accept used batteries and most will pay you for them.

Oregon Retailers That Accept Used Car Batteries

• AutoZone — Accepts used batteries and pays $10 to $20 per battery as a merchandise card in most cases.
• O'Reilly Auto Parts — Accepts used batteries. Some locations offer a small credit or merchandise card.
• NAPA Auto Parts — Accepts used batteries at all locations.
• Walmart Auto Center — Accepts used batteries and refunds the core charge if you have a receipt for the original purchase.
• Les Schwab — Accepts used batteries at Oregon locations.
• Costco — Accepts used batteries at their tire/battery centers.

No appointment needed. Just bring the battery to the counter and they will take it. Most stores have the facilities to safely store batteries until they are picked up by recycling companies.

Understanding the Core Charge

When you buy a new car battery, you pay a "core charge" of $10 to $25 on top of the battery price. This charge is refunded when you return your old battery. The core charge system ensures that old batteries come back for recycling rather than being dumped.

• If you buy a new battery and bring the old one at the same time, the core charge is typically waived or refunded immediately.
• If you buy first and return the old battery later, keep your receipt — you will need it to get the core charge refunded.
• Even without a receipt, most stores will accept the old battery. You just may not get the core charge refund.

How Car Batteries Are Recycled

Car battery recycling is one of the most efficient recycling processes in existence. Here is what happens:

1. Collection: Batteries are collected from auto parts stores, service centers, and recycling facilities.
2. Draining: Sulfuric acid is drained and either neutralized for safe disposal or processed for reuse in new batteries.
3. Crushing: The battery is crushed and separated into components: lead, plastic, and acid.
4. Lead recovery: Lead plates and internal components are melted down and cast into new lead ingots. These go right back into new battery production.
5. Plastic recycling: The polypropylene case is cleaned, shredded, and recycled into new battery cases and other plastic products.

A recycled car battery can be back on the shelf as a new battery within about 60 days. The recycling loop is nearly closed — almost every component is reused.

Safe Handling Tips

• Wear gloves and eye protection. Sulfuric acid residue on the terminals and case can cause chemical burns.
• Keep the battery upright. Tipping it can cause acid to leak from the vents.
• Do not stack batteries. The weight can crack the lower battery's case.
• Transport in a secure, upright position. Place it in a plastic tub or on a piece of cardboard in your trunk to catch any drips.
• Do not smoke near batteries. Lead-acid batteries produce hydrogen gas during charging, which is flammable.
• Keep away from children and pets. Both the lead and acid are dangerous.
• If acid leaks: Neutralize with baking soda, then clean up with paper towels and dispose of them in a sealed bag in the trash. If acid contacts skin, flush with water for 15 minutes.

Other Vehicle Battery Types

Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Batteries

Hybrid and EV batteries (lithium-ion or nickel-metal hydride) are different from standard lead-acid batteries and require specialized recycling. They contain valuable materials (lithium, cobalt, nickel) but also present fire and chemical hazards.

• Return to the vehicle dealer or manufacturer. Most have take-back programs.
• Do not attempt to remove EV batteries yourself — they operate at dangerously high voltages.

Motorcycle and ATV Batteries

These are smaller lead-acid batteries and follow the same disposal rules as car batteries. Auto parts stores accept them.

Marine and RV Batteries

Deep-cycle marine and RV batteries are lead-acid and accepted at the same locations as car batteries. Some are larger and heavier than standard car batteries.

AGM and Gel Cell Batteries

Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) and gel cell batteries are sealed lead-acid variants. They are recycled the same way as standard lead-acid batteries and accepted at the same locations.

Hazardous Waste Collection

If you cannot get to an auto parts store, Oregon's hazardous waste programs accept car batteries:

• Metro Household Hazardous Waste facilities (Portland area) — Accept car batteries at no cost to residents.
• Lane County Hazardous Waste (Eugene) — Accepts batteries during collection events and at their permanent facility.
• Marion County (Salem) — Accepts batteries at their hazardous waste collection program.
• Oregon DEQ household hazardous waste events — Periodic collection events across the state accept batteries and other hazardous materials.

For information on disposing of other hazardous household items, see our guide on items you cannot throw away in regular trash.

What NOT to Do

• Do not put car batteries in regular trash. They are hazardous waste. Your hauler will refuse the load or charge a penalty.
• Do not put them in recycling bins. Car batteries are not processed through curbside recycling programs.
• Do not dump them anywhere. Illegal disposal of lead-acid batteries is an environmental crime under Oregon and federal law.
• Do not break them open. There is no reason to disassemble a car battery. The recycling process handles this safely.
• Do not store dead batteries for years. Old batteries can leak acid. Dispose of them promptly.