You’ve likely heard that car batteries just sit in landfills or that recycling them is pointless. The truth? Most of what we believe about car battery scrap and recycling is outdated or simply wrong. These misconceptions lead to environmental damage, lost economic opportunities, and public confusion.
In this blog, we’ll debunk the most common myths around car battery recycling—from so-called unrecyclable EV batteries to landfill fears—and set the record straight with up-to-date facts.
🔋 Myth #1: “Car Batteries End Up in Landfills”
Truth: Nearly 99% of lead-acid car batteries are recycled, making them one of the most successfully recycled consumer products worldwide.
Battery recycling facilities separate lead, plastic, and sulfuric acid. Each component is either reused or treated safely using industry-approved processes. Landfilling these batteries is not only wasteful but also banned in many regions due to the toxic risks associated with heavy metals and acid leakage, which can contaminate soil and water.
Voice Answer Style:
Yes, car batteries are highly recyclable and rarely go to landfills—when disposed of properly.
⚡ Myth #2: “Lithium-Ion EV Batteries Can’t Be Recycled”
Truth: This myth stems from early, inaccurate statistics. While collection rates used to be low, modern EV batteries are now recycled at increasing and efficient rates.
Depending on the process, up to 95% of key materials—like cobalt, lithium, and nickel—can be recovered. Many EV batteries are also given a second life in solar and commercial energy storage systems before being fully recycled, adding more value to their lifespan and reducing electronic waste.
🌱 Myth #3: “Recycling Batteries Does More Harm Than Good”
Truth: Recycling batteries is significantly less harmful than mining and refining raw materials from the earth.
In fact:
- Battery recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 55%
- It cuts energy usage by up to 79%
Compared to raw extraction, recycling is a more sustainable, energy-efficient, and resource-preserving solution. By choosing to recycle, individuals and industries help cut down on the environmental degradation caused by excessive mining.
🏭 Myth #4: “Used EV Batteries Will Overwhelm Landfills”
Truth: Used EV batteries are not dumped in landfills. Most are:
- Repurposed for stationary storage systems
- Recycled in certified facilities that follow strict environmental protocols
Government regulations and manufacturer take-back programs make it illegal or impractical to landfill EV batteries. As infrastructure for EV support grows, so too does the capacity for safe, efficient recycling.
⚠️ Myth #5: “All Battery Recycling Is Ethical and Safe”
Truth: Sadly, not all recycling is equal. In some developing countries, informal or unregulated recycling of lead-acid batteries causes serious pollution, toxic exposure, and health risks for surrounding communities.
That’s why it’s critical to use only certified recycling centres that meet global health, safety, and environmental standards, ensuring that the process is both safe for workers and sustainable for the planet.
🌎 Why Proper Car Battery Recycling Matters
Recycling used batteries:
- Protects the environment from toxic leaks and contamination
- Reduces reliance on mining of critical minerals
- Supports the circular economy by reusing valuable materials
- Meets legal requirements and avoids penalties
- Saves energy compared to raw material extraction
♻️ How to Recycle Car Batteries Safely
Recycling a car battery isn’t just eco-friendly—it’s legally and ethically the right thing to do. Follow these simple steps to ensure safe, responsible disposal:
Step 1: Remove the battery and store it upright in a well-ventilated area, away from heat or moisture.
Step 2: Locate a certified recycling centre, such as Universal Scrap Metal, a reputable scrap metal buyer and recycler in Cannington that accepts lead-acid and lithium-ion car batteries.
Step 3: Never attempt to dismantle, puncture, or throw the battery into regular trash bins. It can leak toxic substances and cause serious harm.
💡 FAQs:
1. Are car batteries recyclable?
Indeed. Lead-acid batteries for vehicles are recyclable to the extent of 99%. EV lithium-ion batteries also possess a high degree of recoverability through current recycling methods.
2. Can I throw away an old car battery?
Definitely not! It is illegal in most places to throw away car batteries, and it is also very hazardous. It is necessary to carry them to a place that is licensed for recycling or an auto parts store.
3. How are EV batteries recycled?
Electric vehicle batteries are taken apart, and materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel are recovered by means of mechanical and chemical techniques. Some of them get reused before going through recycling.
4. Why is battery recycling important?
It not only decreases environmental pollution but also helps the conservation of natural resources, energy saving, and sustainable production in the car industry.
5. Is car battery recycling profitable?
🧠 Conclusion: Scrap the Myths, Recycle the Facts
Don’t let outdated myths keep you from doing what’s right. Car battery recycling is not just possible—it’s essential. With nearly all components recoverable and modern infrastructure improving every year, there’s no excuse for improper disposal.
✅ Be part of the solution: recycle responsibly, share the facts, and bust the myths.