Car Batteries
Hazardous materialLead-acid car batteries are almost universally recycled, both AutoZone and O'Reilly Auto Parts take any brand for free and typically issue a merchandise credit, no purchase required. Never put a car battery in curbside trash or recycling.
Curbside recycling?
No
Never place a car battery in curbside trash or recycling, it contains lead and corrosive sulfuric acid.
Safety note
Car batteries contain sulfuric acid and lead. Keep them upright to avoid spills, and avoid contact with the terminals.
How to prepare it
- Keep the battery upright during transport
- Avoid letting the terminals touch metal objects or each other
Common fees
AutoZone offers a $10 merchandise credit per qualifying battery (up to 10 per customer per day) when recycling without a purchase, or an immediate core credit when buying a replacement. O'Reilly also recycles batteries for free with a store credit at many locations.
Quantity limits
AutoZone: limit 10 per customer per day. Excludes lawn & garden, motorcycle, and personal watercraft batteries, and batteries being returned for a core deposit refund.
Residency restrictions
Not confirmed
Appointment required?
Not confirmed
Transporting it safely
Transport upright, ideally in a sealed container or battery box, to contain any acid leakage.
Recycling locations
Showing locations in our covered metros. Choose a metro to see only the locations there.
1 location in covered metros
Gaffey Street S.A.F.E. Center
Verified1400 N. Gaffey St., Los Angeles, CA
- Hours
- Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Fees
- Free for City of Los Angeles and LA County residents
- Appointment
- Not required
- Residency
- City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County residents
Last verified 2026-09-30Official source ↗
Frequently asked questions
- Where can I recycle car batteries?
- Lead-acid car batteries are almost universally recycled, both AutoZone and O'Reilly Auto Parts take any brand for free and typically issue a merchandise credit, no purchase required. Never put a car battery in curbside trash or recycling.
- Can car batteries go in curbside recycling?
- Never place a car battery in curbside trash or recycling, it contains lead and corrosive sulfuric acid.
- Is there a safety concern with car batteries?
- Car batteries contain sulfuric acid and lead. Keep them upright to avoid spills, and avoid contact with the terminals.
Sources
Programs, hours, fees, eligibility, and accepted materials can change. Confirm details with the facility before traveling.
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