What to Do With Old Car Batteries Safely

Used car batteries are valuable scrap because of the lead inside them, but they also contain acid and need careful handling. Follow these simple rules to keep yourself and others safe while you get them ready to sell.

Storage

Keep old batteries in a dry, shaded and well-ventilated place, away from children, food and sources of heat or sparks. Always store them upright so acid cannot run out of the vent caps. Stand them on a hard surface such as concrete, or on a plastic tray that can catch any drips. Do not stack batteries on top of each other.

Check for leaks

Look at each battery before you move it. Signs of a problem include cracks in the case, a bulging shape, white or green crust around the terminals, or wet patches underneath.

• Wear gloves and eye protection when handling a damaged battery.
• Place a leaking battery in a strong plastic container or tray.
• Do not touch spilled liquid with bare hands.
• Tell the buyer about any leaking batteries before collection.

Transport

If you need to move batteries yourself, keep them upright and secured so they cannot tip over or slide. Put them in a plastic crate or a lined box rather than directly on a car seat or in a boot with other items. Never carry them inside the cabin of a vehicle without protection, and avoid long journeys with damaged batteries.

Never open a battery

Do not try to open, cut or drain a battery to recover the lead or the acid. Battery acid causes serious burns, and the fumes are harmful. Opening batteries is dangerous, and doing it without the right equipment can damage the environment. Batteries are bought whole, so there is no benefit in taking them apart.

Selling to a collector

When you are ready to sell, count the batteries and note their rough size, for example car, truck or backup power batteries. Take a photo of them standing in a row so the condition is easy to see. Send the count, the photo and your location, and mention any damaged units. A collector can then confirm the price and arrange to pick them up safely in a suitable vehicle.

Handled this way, old batteries are recycled properly instead of becoming a hazard, and you get paid for material that would otherwise be waste.