Car batteries can contribute to environmental degradation if they are not properly disposed of. Not to mention they can cause poisoning if they leak around the household.
As a result, the vast majority, if not all, of automotive batteries are recycled.
Fortunately, some companies promise proper disposal when you take old batteries to them. Some offer rewards for old batteries borough to their store. Others offer to buy it while some provide a disposal venue.
Whatever the case, it is convenient to discard old batteries. In this article, we will be looking at AutoZone and its battery recycling policies. But before that, let’s answer the question,
Does AutoZone Buy Old Batteries?
They don’t buy the batteries; they offer a $10 AutoZone gift card for every battery submitted. AutoZone encourages you to take your old batteries to their shop.
Another incentive at AutoZone is the markdown you receive on new batteries if your old one is still functional. They also sell old working batteries at a lower, affordable price.
However, most customers do not consider the $10 gift card a reward. AutoZone charges $10 in deposit to ensure you bring the battery back when it’s old.
Benefits Of Recycling Old Car Batteries
Many companies depend on the recycling process;
- They provide employment as well as affordable batteries.
- They also save the environment from an endless flow of plastic and lead. Fortunately, 9 out of every ten old batteries are recycled.
It shouldn’t be breaking news at this time. However, climate change is upon us if we live under a rock.
The rapid climate change can be attributed to the careless disposal of lead and plastic waste, including batteries.
Car batteries are notorious for lead poisoning. They can seep into the waterways when they leak.
That is a dangerous situation for both animals and humans. Recycling batteries ensure that lead does not trickle into the ground, poisoning the environment.
However, it would be best if you were sure that the company you submit the battery to deals with Lead-acid batteries.
What’s The Battery Recycling Method?
Batteries are made from three major components. Plastic, lead, sulphuric acid. These elements need to be recycled individually to make new battery components or manufacture other products.
Plastic is beaten and shredded. It then goes through several processes to be converted into battery bodies.
That saves the environment from plastics which can continuously poison the environment for years without degrading.
Lead is heated to the melting point. They use this to generate new battery grids and litharge. Sulphuric acid can either be converted to water or sodium sulfate.
The water is purified and then drained into the sewer system. Sodium sulfate is a key component in textile and detergent production.
Apart from the recycling, you can take it to an auto parts shop for resale. The shop owner will either resell it at a lower price or take it to a legitimate recycling plant.
How To Dispose Of Old Batteries
As a car owner, you need to be aware of your responsibility to the environment. Disposing of old batteries is not a hustle, yet some find it hard to make proper arrangements. There are various ways to purge your garage of old batteries properly. They include:
Store In Your Truck Temporarily
The best way to keep the battery from leaking in your garage or storage area is to store it in your car. Find a plastic container with a secure lid and place the battery inside it.
Make sure you use rubber gloves to do all this. Battery acid is corrosive and will cause harm to your skin.
Place the battery securely in the trunk. Remember, this is a temporary solution. Find a reliable recycling plant as soon as you can.
Visit An Autoshop
Another safe way to replace and dispose of old batteries is to visit an auto shop. The mechanic will supplant the old battery.
That is a cautious method if you have no clue where to start. Although you will spend some extra cash, you save time and effort.
By leaving the old battery at the shop, you will also place the recycling burden on the mechanic. They will have to look for a reliable recycling plant.
Return It To The Shop You Bought It From
That is another convenient way to get rid of old batteries. If you have the sale receipt, you can take it to the retail shop you bought it from. Most automotive shops will take the old battery for resale or recycling.
If you bought the battery at a shop like AutoZone, you probably paid a deposit of $10. On returning the battery, you will receive a $10 gift card you can use to discount the price of a new battery.
Although the reward is an inviting incentive, recycling old batteries should not be about the reward or money.
The only reward you should be happy about is saving the environment. However, if some spare change is what you are looking for, there are ways to go around it.
Take The Battery To A Credible Recycling Plant
Another reliable way of disposing of old batteries is through recycling plants. There are credible recycling plants that facilitate old battery recycling.
Find the nearest authorized plant and make a trip there. They find the best way to deal with the old cell.
However, some recyclers will provide logistic benefits. You have to provide your location, and they will do the rest. If you prefer such services, do some research to locate the nearest shop with such services.
The benefit of such shops is that they provide these services for free. The government provides subsidies to cover such costs.
Sell It To A Scrap Dealer
If you do not have the comfort of a sale receipt, a scrap dealer is your next best option. Make sure they are legitimate and will take the necessary steps to recycle the battery if need be. They take some parts out and dispose of the rest in most cases.
If money is your driving force, compare different sharp shops before making a sale. Some shops offer higher returns than others.
Yard Sales
There are neighbors or people around you who are battery enthusiasts and will take the battery off your hands. Take necessary steps of advertising beforehand to ensure the success of the sale.
Can You Revive Old Batteries?
Sometimes you don’t have the money to buy a new battery. You may be asking if it is possible to revive an old battery.
The answer is yes. However, it depends on the condition of the battery. If part of the battery, such as the plates and plastics, is burned out, consider buying a new battery.
You can restore the battery if it repeatedly doesn’t start a car, has been used for more than four years, or is below 12 volts on a voltmeter.
Most of these defects are caused by improper storage and salvation. Salvation is the process of sulfur buildup on some of the plates fixed inside the battery.
How To Restore Old Batteries
If you want to revive an old battery, do not take it to an auto shop. They will convince you to buy a new one.
Apart from making a sale, they believe a replacement will save you effort and time. At this point, a DIY project is the only way.
Remember, you are dealing with corrosive materials;
- Make sure you have protection equipment for your body. Especially the face and hands.
- Other tools needed to revive a battery include wrenches, battery chargers, water, funnel, and multimeter.
The DIY Process Of Restoring Your Old Battery
- Remove the old battery from the vehicle as your first step.
- Remove the battery caps next, and know which battery you have. Removing caps depends on the type of battery you have.
- Add water solutions to the fluid chambers if they are low. The water solution could feature some distilled water and common Epsom salt.
- Next, remove the accumulated sulfur on the players by cooking. That is a process that requires battery chargers.
- Make sure the fluid levels are on point, then replace the battery caps.
- Next, you can trickle charge the battery. That means you charge the battery at the lowest setting.
- After a full charge, you can now test the battery. Use the multimeter in the DC setting. If the battery is fully restored, the meter should read 12.6V.
- Reinstall the battery after the test.
- Make sure all the ends are tightly secured before ignition.
Conclusion
As you see, there are several ways to get rid of your old battery. The hardest part in all this would be removing the battery from the car. In that case, visit a professional to help you through the process.
You must, however, transport the battery yourself if you wish to take advantage of a reward from an automobile retailer such as Eurozone. We hope this article will be helpful.
