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3 April 2025 (updated) How to Dispose of Car Batteries in the UK: Recycling, Best Practices, and Environmental Impact
Although your car battery is rechargeable, it won’t last forever. Typically, it will need replacing every 3–5 years, and disposing of it correctly is crucial. Containing hazardous materials like lead and acid, old batteries can harm the environment if not handled properly.
In the UK, strict regulations ensure safe recycling and disposal. This guide explores the best ways to recycle car batteries, legal requirements, and how responsible disposal helps protect the planet while recovering valuable materials.
How to dispose of old car batteries in the UK
In the UK, you can’t dispose of old car batteries in your regular household bin or landfill. You’re legally required to dispose of them at a licensed recycling centre, garage, authorised retailer, or scrap yard. Some local councils also provide collection services, so it’s worth checking online.
By recycling your car battery through the correct channels, you help reduce pollution and support the recovery of valuable materials like lead, which can be reused in new batteries.
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Can you recycle a car battery for cash?
If you go to a local scrap yard, you may be able to sell your old car battery for around £5. Some batteries are worth more depending on how much lead they contain. Please bear in mind that, in some cases, scrap batteries are rejected or difficult to sell, so you shouldn’t bank on making wads of money.
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What about electric car battery recycling?
Yes, it’s also possible to recycle used EV batteries once their service life is over. However, electric car batteries are more complex due to their lithium-ion content, meaning that they require specialist disposal. They also contain more valuable, hazardous materials, such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, making safe recycling crucial.
In the UK, EV batteries must not be disposed of at regular recycling centres or with household waste. Instead, they should be returned to vehicle manufacturers, dealerships, or authorised recycling facilities, as they are legally responsible for end-of-life battery collection. Many car brands, such as Tesla, Nissan, and BMW, offer take-back schemes.
How proper car battery disposal helps the environment
Recycling your car battery in a safe way helps to ensure that the harsh chemicals inside the unit do not leak into water sources or contaminate the soil and harm the ecosystem. It also reduces the risk of the battery igniting and causing injury. Moreover, the recycling process allows precious metals and valuable resources to be used again, reducing the amount of mining and raw materials required.
How to safely remove the old battery and prepare it for recycling
To safely remove an old car battery, first make sure the engine is fully switched off and wear protective gloves. Use a quality spanner to loosen the fastener securing the negative terminal first and the disconnect. Then you can disconnect the positive terminal. Carefully lift the battery out, keeping it upright to avoid spills.
Inspect the component for leaks or damage. If intact, place it in a sturdy, leak-proof container or on a non-metallic surface. You can further prevent accidents by covering both battery terminals with a single piece of tape. Store the battery in a cool, dry place until you can take it to a recycling centre/service, retailer, or garage.
How to choose a new car battery
When choosing a new car battery, check your vehicle’s manual for the correct size, type, and specifications. Ensure that it has the right voltage and cold cranking amps (CCA) for your climate. You may also want to consider whether the unit is maintenance-free.
Only buy products from trusted brands and retailers. If you shop online, you should be able to check the compatibility of the battery with your specific vehicle by entering details such as the OE part number or the vehicle identification number (VIN). This way, you can easily compare compatible products.
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