Introduction
When your car battery reaches the end of its life, proper disposal is essential. Car batteries contain lead, sulphuric acid, and other materials that are hazardous to the environment but also highly recyclable. In fact, lead-acid batteries are one of the most successfully recycled products in the world, with recycling rates exceeding 95% in Australia.
This guide explains how to safely handle, store, and dispose of old car batteries, where to take them for recycling, and what happens to them after you hand them over.
Why Proper Disposal Matters
Car batteries cannot be thrown in regular rubbish, and for good reason:
Environmental Hazards
Lead contamination:
Lead is a toxic heavy metal
It persists in the environment indefinitely
Contaminates soil and groundwater
Accumulates in the food chain
Acid contamination:
Sulphuric acid is highly corrosive
Can burn through waste containers
Contaminates soil and water
Harms wildlife and ecosystems
Legal Requirements
In Australia, it's illegal to dispose of car batteries in regular waste:
Environmental protection laws prohibit improper disposal
Fines apply for illegal dumping
Waste management regulations require proper handling
Resource Value
Old batteries are valuable recyclable resources:
Lead is infinitely recyclable
Plastic cases can be recycled
Acid can be neutralised and processed
Recycling saves energy and raw materials
Safe Handling of Old Batteries
Before transporting a battery for recycling:
Personal Protection
Wear safety glasses and gloves
Wear old clothes (acid can damage fabric)
Handle in a well-ventilated area
Battery Preparation
Keep the battery upright at all times
Check for cracks or leaks before moving
If leaking, place in a plastic container or bag
Don't attempt to drain or open the battery
Transport Safely
Place in a plastic tray or container in your vehicle
Secure so it won't tip or slide
Keep upright—don't lay on side
Don't stack items on top
Where to Take Old Batteries
Australia has excellent battery recycling infrastructure:
Battery Retailers
Most retailers that sell car batteries accept old ones:
Auto parts stores (Supercheap Auto, Repco, Autobarn)
Battery specialists (Battery World, etc.)
Mechanics and service centres
Some hardware stores
Many offer free disposal when you purchase a new battery.
Council Facilities
Local councils typically accept batteries at:
Transfer stations and tips
Household hazardous waste collection events
Permanent drop-off facilities
Check your council's website for locations and hours.
Dedicated Recycling Programs
Several organisations run battery recycling:
Metal recyclers often accept batteries
Scrap metal dealers may pay for batteries
Community recycling programs
Return to Service Centre
If having a new battery installed:
The service centre will dispose of the old battery
This is often the simplest option
Verify they're recycling properly
What to Expect at Drop-Off
When you arrive at a recycling location:
Documentation
Some facilities may ask:
Where the battery came from
Type of vehicle (car, truck, etc.)
Whether you're a commercial or residential customer
Fees and Payment
Depending on location:
Many retailers accept batteries for free
Some facilities charge a small handling fee
Scrap dealers may pay you for the battery (typically $5-15)
Receipt
Get a receipt or confirmation if possible, particularly for commercial quantities.
The Recycling Process
Understanding what happens to recycled batteries:
Collection and Sorting
Batteries are collected from drop-off points
Sorted by type (lead-acid, lithium, etc.)
Inspected for damage
Breaking and Separation
Batteries are crushed in specialised machinery
Components are separated:
- Lead and lead oxide
- Polypropylene (plastic case)
- Sulphuric acid
- Other materials
Processing Components
Lead recovery:
Lead is smelted and refined
Purified lead goes to battery manufacturers
Used to make new battery plates
Plastic recycling:
Cases are cleaned and shredded
Pellets are used to make new cases
Some plastic goes to other applications
Acid treatment:
Acid is neutralised chemically
Some is cleaned and reused
Some is converted to other products (e.g., fertiliser)
New Batteries
Recycled materials go back into manufacturing:
Up to 80% of a new battery may be recycled material
Lead can be recycled indefinitely without quality loss
The cycle continues with each replacement
Special Considerations
Multiple Batteries
If you have several old batteries:
Contact a scrap metal dealer—they may collect
Check if your council has a scheduled pickup
Some retailers accept multiple batteries
Commercial Quantities
Businesses generating many batteries:
Must use licensed waste contractors
Should maintain disposal records
May receive payment from recyclers
Other Battery Types
Different battery types require different handling:
AGM batteries:
Same recycling stream as flooded lead-acid
Drop off at same locations
Lithium batteries (from hybrids/EVs):
Require specialised recycling
Contact the vehicle manufacturer
Do not take to standard battery recyclers
Ni-MH batteries (from older hybrids):
Also require specialised recycling
Different process from lead-acid
DIY Storage Best Practices
If you need to store a dead battery before disposal:
Storage Location
Keep in a well-ventilated area
Away from heat sources
Out of direct sunlight
On a concrete floor or in a container
Duration
Don't store for extended periods
Dispose of as soon as practical
Old batteries continue to degrade
Safety
Keep away from children
Keep away from metal objects that could short terminals
Label clearly as waste/for disposal
Environmental Impact of Recycling
Proper recycling has significant environmental benefits:
Energy Savings
Recycled lead uses 75% less energy than virgin lead
Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
Decreases mining activity
Resource Conservation
Reduces demand for new lead mining
Conserves other raw materials
Decreases landfill usage
Pollution Prevention
Keeps lead out of the environment
Prevents acid from contaminating soil and water
Reduces industrial emissions
Carbon Footprint
A recycled battery has roughly:
60% lower carbon footprint than one from virgin materials
Significant reduction in environmental impact
Lower overall lifecycle emissions
Common Questions
Can I get money for old batteries?
Yes, many scrap dealers pay $5-15 per battery, depending on size and current lead prices.
What if the battery is completely dead?
Dead batteries are still fully recyclable. The lead and other materials retain their value regardless of electrical condition.
What if the battery is cracked or damaged?
Damaged batteries should still be recycled but require extra care in handling. Place in a container and transport carefully.
Can I remove the battery myself?
Yes, for standard vehicles. Follow proper disconnection procedures (negative first). For hybrids and EVs with high-voltage batteries, use professional service only.
Conclusion
Disposing of car batteries responsibly is easy in Australia thanks to extensive recycling infrastructure. Most retailers accept old batteries, and council facilities provide additional options. The recycling process recovers almost all materials for reuse, making battery recycling one of the most successful circular economy examples.
When your battery reaches end of life, take a few minutes to drop it at a recycling point. It's better for the environment, legally required, and you might even get a few dollars for your trouble.