Everything you need to know about recycling lead-acid batteries
Lead Acid Batteries includes:
Vehicle batteries
Motorbike batteries
Car batteries
Motorcycle batteries
Boat batteries
Air conditioner batteries
Emergency lighting batteries
Exit sign batteries
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Learn more about recycling lead-acid batteries
How to recycle lead-acid batteries
Lead-acid batteries are used in cars, motorcycles, boats, air conditioners and emergency lighting (i.e. exit signs). Lead-acid batteries contain substances that are toxic to the environment but are also commercially valuable. They can be recovered and recycled into new products.
Used lead-acid batteries like car batteries contain lead, lead compounds and sulfuric acid and are classified as hazardous waste under the Hazardous Waste Act 1989. They should not be disposed of with the regular garbage, as their toxic contents may leach from landfills into the environment. If recycled, these chemicals can be effectively recovered and made into new products, requiring significantly less energy than refining primary ore.
Recycling options
Lead-acid car batteries like car batteries can be recycled in Australia. Scrap metal recyclers are the best option for a business needing to dispose of lead-acid batteries regularly. Almost all scrap metal merchants will accept used lead-acid batteries, and some may pay a small amount for large quantities. Use the directory on this page to find a recycler near you.
Collection services are also available at most landfills, transfer stations and automotive workshops.
If you only have one or two car batteries to recycle, use the information for residential recycling services on Recycling Near You.
Why recycle?
Around 97% of the materials used in lead-acid batteries can be recycled and used again to make new products, which reduces demand for mining new materials like lithium and keeps Earth’s valuable resources in use. Recycling used lead-acid batteries also uses less energy than refining primary ore.
Used car batteries and other lead-acid batteries also contain toxic and hazardous materials such as lead and sulphuric acid. When batteries reach their end of life and become ‘waste’, if the battery is sent to landfill or illegally dumped, these hazardous materials can enter the environment, posing a threat to wildlife and human health.
What happens to them?
Approximately 97% of the various components of lead acid batteries are recoverable. Car batteries and other lead-acid batteries can be reconditioned or recycled into new products made from the lead, sulphuric acid and polypropylene.
The lead plates are restored back to new battery standards, the hard plastic casing can be melted and extruded to produce plastic pellets and the acid is neutralised and discharged.
When lead-acid batteries are collected through recycling programs, they are taken to a battery recycling plant where the battery is broken apart to separate it into different components (lead, metallic plates and connectors, polypropylene and other plastics, and acid electrolyte).
The recycled lead is often used to make new batteries. Sulphuric acid is converted to sodium sulfate to be used in the manufacture of glass, textiles, laundry detergents, and fertilisers.?Battery containers and lids (made from polypropylene) can also be recycled to make new battery cases, rubbish bins and plant pots.
How to recycle tyres
Tyres can be recycled through commercial recyclers.
How to recycle motor oil
Oil is a valuable resource that can be harmful to the environment when disposed of incorrectly. Although it gets dirty, used oil can be collected, cleaned and re-used again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are car batteries recyclable?
Yes, around 97% of the materials used in car batteries and other lead-acid batteries can be recycled and used again to make new products.
Used lead-acid batteries are a hazardous item and must be recycled through a recycling program or commercial recycler. They should never be put in recycling or garbage bins. Use the information on this page to find a recycling point near you.
How are car batteries recycled?
Lead-acid car batteries (used for the electrical systems in most cars) can be taken to your nearest collection point – use the information on this page to find your closest recycler.
When lead-acid car batteries are recycled, they are broken apart in a hammer mill. The metals are then separated from the plastics so they can be reused in new products. The sulphuric acid can also be recycled into new products like detergents and fertilisers.
Are electric car batteries recyclable?
Electric car batteries contain lots of valuable materials including aluminium, graphite, nickel, copper, cobalt, steel, and lithium.
Lithium-ion batteries used in electric cars can technically be recycled with appropriate infrastructure and equipment. Currently, in Australia, they are not as easy to recycle as lead acid batteries. Fortunately, many electric car manufacturers and battery recyclers are continually working on ways to make these batteries easier to recycle and more sustainable.
Aside from recycling, there is also potential for used electric car batteries to be repurposed, including for use as solar energy storage systems.
Are lithium car batteries recyclable?
Lithium-ion batteries used in electric and hybrid vehicles are recyclable and contain lots of valuable resources including aluminium, graphite, nickel, copper, cobalt, steel, and lithium. However, in Australia, they are currently not as easy to recycle than lead-acid car batteries used in most standard cars.
Fortunately, many car manufacturers and battery recyclers are continually working on ways to make Lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles easier to recycle and more sustainable. Aside from recycling, there is also potential for lithium car batteries to be repurposed, including for use as solar energy storage systems.
Can hybrid car batteries be recycled?
Lithium-ion batteries used in modern hybrid cars are recyclable and contain many valuable resources including aluminium, graphite, nickel, copper, cobalt, steel, and lithium. However, hybrid car batteries are currently not easily recycled in Australia.
Fortunately, many car manufacturers and battery recyclers are continually working on ways to make these batteries easier to recycle and more sustainable. Aside from recycling, there is also potential for hybrid car batteries to be repurposed, including for use as solar energy storage systems.
