Recycling spent car batteries is not only good for the environment, it’s also easier than you might think. Many states have laws in place that require battery retailers to accept used lead-acid batteries. There also are recycling centers around the country devoted to keeping batteries out of landfills.
The Circular Economy of Lead Batteries
When you recycle your used lead battery, you are contributing to the overall sustainability of the lead battery industry. This circular economy minimizes waste, helps protect our environment and ensures abundant supplies of lead and plastic to produce new batteries to keep our supply chains and people on the move.
Lead Battery Recycling Laws
Wondering why you’re paying a battery core charge when you purchase a car battery? A core charge is a form of deposit paid when you purchase a battery and is refunded to you when the battery is returned. Core charges promote battery recycling. In all 50 states, retailers can charge a battery core charge and in over 30 states, it is required by law. For more detailed information, visit our state recycling laws page.
Safe Recycling Practices
Recycling Rechargeable Batteries
Every battery has a different recycling journey. Consumers can safely recycle nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, lithium ion, nickel zinc and small sealed lead batteries through Call2Recycle.
Safe Transporting Information
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has created a resource used to inform consumers how to safely transport batteries.
The high recycling rate of U.S. lead batteries means a large percent of U.S. lead battery manufacturing supply chain inputs (73% of its lead) are sourced from domestic recyclers.