how much can i get for a dead car battery

[OMarley]

You can typically get between $10 and $20 for a standard dead lead-acid car battery at a scrap yard or auto parts store. The exact amount depends on the battery's size, weight, and current market prices for lead and plastic. However, the most common way to get value from an old battery is through a core charge refund, which is usually a $15-$25 credit applied when you purchase a new battery.

The price fluctuates based on the commodity market for lead. Heavier batteries from large trucks or SUVs will fetch a higher price than smaller ones from compact cars. Some factors that influence the scrap value include:

Factor	Impact on Price	Example/Note
Battery Type	Standard flooded batteries are most common. AGM or Gel batteries may have different values.	A standard 12V, Group Size 24 battery is the baseline.
Weight	Primary determinant. Price is often per pound.	A typical 40-pound battery is worth more than a 30-pound one.
Local Scrap Prices	Varies by region and buyer.	Check prices at multiple scrapyards or recyclers in your area.
Core Charge Refund	Not a sale, but a refund on a new purchase.	This is often the most straightforward way to get value, around $15-$25.

It's important to note that selling a battery for scrap is different from the core charge. The core charge is a deposit you pay when buying a new battery without turning in the old one; you get that deposit back when you return the old core. If you don't have a new battery to buy, selling for straight scrap is your option. Always call your local auto parts stores, scrap metal recyclers, or battery specialty shops for their current rates. Proper recycling is crucial as these batteries contain hazardous materials, and many states have laws requiring them to be recycled.

[DelJade]

Honestly, don't expect to get rich. It's more about doing the right thing without it costing you. Most places will give you around ten to fifteen bucks, maybe twenty if it's a big one. Just take it to any auto parts store—they'll take it off your hands and give you a little cash or a store credit. It's better than letting it sit in your garage and leak acid everywhere.

[StColin]

Think of it less as a sale and more as a recycling fee. The value comes from the lead and plastic inside. Prices change daily with the commodities market. Your best bet is to check with a local scrapyard; they pay by the pound. A standard car battery weighs 30-50 pounds, and the current rate for scrap lead will determine your final few dollars. It's a small reward for responsible disposal.

[McLawson]

I just went through this. I had an old battery sitting in my shed for months. I called O'Reilly and AutoZone; both were offering $10 store credit. Then I found a local metal recycling center online that was paying $0.20 per pound. My battery was 38 pounds, so I got $7.60 cash. I took the store credit because I needed wiper fluid anyway. It's not much, but it's better than nothing and you're keeping toxic stuff out of the landfill.

[MacLilliana]

The key is the core charge. When you buy a new battery, you pay an extra fee (the core charge) if you don't have an old one to trade in. This encourages recycling. So, if you have a dead battery, its real value is offsetting that fee when you buy a replacement. If you're not buying a new battery, its value is purely as scrap metal. Either way, you're looking at a similar range: $10 to $25. Always handle with care and transport it upright to avoid spills.