
You have several convenient and often free options to return batteries in Fairbanks. The most straightforward places are automotive parts stores, which are required by law to accept your old battery when you purchase a new one, and many will take it for recycling even if you aren't buying one. Major retailers like AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts all have locations in Fairbanks and offer this service.
For larger quantities or if you're disposing of other hazardous materials, the Fairbanks North Star Borough Central Recycling Facility is your best bet. They accept automotive batteries, used oil, and other household hazardous waste from residents. It's crucial to handle old batteries properly because they contain lead and sulfuric acid, which are hazardous to the environment. Never throw them in the regular trash.
Here’s a quick reference for your options:
| Location Type | Example in Fairbanks | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto Parts Store | AutoZone (Old Steese Hwy) | Free | Often requires no purchase; call to confirm. |
| Major Retailer | Walmart Auto Care Center | Free | Check with the automotive department. |
| Scrap Metal Yard | Alaska Metal Recycling | May Pay You | Batteries have scrap value; you might get a small payment. |
| Borough Facility | FNSB Central Recycling | Free for Residents | Handles all household hazardous waste. |
| Tire & Service Shop | Kendall Toyota of Fairbanks | Free / Service Fee | May accept with a service appointment. |
Before you go, it's a good idea to call ahead to confirm acceptance policies and hours. When transporting the battery, place it in a sturdy plastic container to prevent acid leaks and keep it upright.

Just take it back to any auto parts store. I dropped my last one off at the O'Reilly's on Airport Way. Didn't cost a thing, and I wasn't even a new battery that day. They took it right at the counter. Super easy. You could also try the Fairbanks landfill's special recycling area if you have other stuff like old paint to get rid of at the same time.

As someone who rehabs old cars, I deal with dead batteries often. The key is that lead-acid batteries are considered hazardous waste. In Fairbanks, you have a responsibility to dispose of them correctly. Auto parts stores are the most convenient drop-off points because they ship them back to manufacturers for recycling. For a more comprehensive solution, the Borough's hazardous waste facility ensures it's handled with the utmost environmental safety. Proper disposal keeps our local environment clean.

We always take our batteries and motor oil to the Fairbanks North Star Borough Central Recycling Facility. It’s the right thing to do for the environment and it’s free for residents. It’s part of our routine when we do seasonal car maintenance. It gives us peace of mind knowing it’s being handled properly and not just ending up in a landfill where it can cause harm. It’s a quick and easy process.

Don't just trash it—that's illegal and bad for the environment. Your best bet in Fairbanks is heading to an automotive retailer. Most, like Advance Auto Parts or NAPA Auto Parts, will take your old car for recycling at no cost. If those aren't convenient, the local scrap metal yard might even pay you a few dollars for it due to the lead content. Always call your chosen location first to confirm their specific drop-off procedure and hours.


