Car Batteries

Illegal in Garbage, Recycling & Drains
Hazardous Waste Special Instructions

Car and electric vehicle (EV) batteries have different disposal strategies. Car batteries from non-electric vehicles are lead-acid batteries which are illegal to throw in the garbage.  They can leach harmful chemicals into the water and soil and contaminate drinking water sources.  Dispose of them through the County Household Hazardous Waste Program.

To dispose of batteries from EVs, check wit the manufacturer, automotive dealership or the company that installed the battery.  Here are some EV battery recycling companies:

  1. Ascend Elements – https://ascendelements.com/
  2. Retriev Technologies – https://www.retrievtech.com/  

Never throw EV batteries in the garbage because they contain metals and other toxic and corrosive chemicals that can leach into the environment and, if disposed of improperly, can cause a fire.  

scrap-metal

Car Batteries Are Scrap Metal

Used car batteries can be recycled as scrap metal at a scrapyard that pays for them. You can find nearby scrapyards using the iScrap App.

Did You Know?

Job Creation and Automotive Recycling

In the United States, the automotive recycling industry employs more than 140,000 people nationwide, bringing in about $32 billion in sales each year. About 86 percent of a whole vehicle can be recycled into new car parts or other consumer products. Find out more.