Do you have spare car batteries tucked away in a forgotten corner? Surprisingly, you can turn these old batteries into cash.
Old batteries, especially larger rechargeable ones like those used in cars and boats, hold value in the market. So, don’t discard your old boat or car batteries as trash; you can sell them to make extra money.
Here’s a guide to help you find the most convenient places to sell your old car batteries and make some quick cash.
Where to Sell Used Car Batteries If you find old car batteries while cleaning your house, or perhaps you’ve collected them over the years, there are various options to sell them. You can either find individual buyers interested in purchasing them, or you can sell them to businesses that specialize in buying and refurbishing used batteries.
- Scrap Yards or Metal Recycling Centers Scrap yards often buy the raw materials found in batteries, such as lead, which can fetch around $0.30 per pound. Since car batteries can weigh around 20 pounds, they can be worth up to $7 or more.
Consider selling multiple batteries at once, as scrap yards may offer a higher rate for larger quantities. Metal recycling centers are also a good option since they focus on metals, including lead.
- Local Auto Parts Store Local auto parts stores, whether small businesses or larger chains like NAPA, Autozone, or O’Reilly, can be a good place to start. These stores often charge a core fee for recycling car batteries, which is usually covered when you buy a new battery.
If you’re not buying a new battery, some stores may compensate you for returning a used one. Compensation typically ranges between $5 and $12, often in the form of store credit rather than cash.
- Craigslist Craigslist is a suitable platform to sell various used items, including car and boat batteries. Post a listing in your local area to reach potential buyers looking for batteries that still have some life left in them. Include clear pictures of the battery’s size, power, and condition to attract prospective buyers.
The amount you make on Craigslist can vary based on demand, supply, and the battery’s quality and size.
- Auto Repair Shops Auto repair shops are another option for selling used batteries. These shops often have the expertise to refurbish used car batteries and resell them to their customers. If you have a battery in good condition, consider selling it to an auto repair shop.
- Donate Your Vehicle While not a direct sale of your car battery, you can make money by donating your entire vehicle. If you have an old, non-operational vehicle, consider donating it to organizations like Kash4Kids, Make-a-Wish Foundation, or Habitat for Humanity. You won’t receive cash, but you can get a tax deduction, potentially worth $500 or more, depending on your car’s value.
- Sell Used Car Batteries on eBay Like Craigslist, eBay is a platform where individuals may be interested in buying used car batteries. Create a listing on eBay and start an auction for your old batteries. Depending on demand, battery quality, and size, you could sell an old car battery for $20 to $50 or more.
- iScrap App The iScrap app provides a list of vendors and individuals who buy batteries and scrap metal. It’s a convenient way to locate local resources that purchase old car batteries. Some vendors even offer local pickups, making it more accessible for you to sell your batteries.
- Have a Garage Sale Your neighbors might be interested in your old car batteries, along with other items you’re looking to sell. If you have multiple items to sell, consider hosting a garage sale. Place signs in your neighborhood and promote it on social media platforms to attract potential buyers.
- Battery Reconditioning Battery reconditioning involves restoring old batteries to like-new condition. This process extends a battery’s lifespan by cleaning and recharging its components. Once you acquire the necessary skills and tools, you can start reconditioning old car batteries and selling them for a profit.
In addition to selling old car batteries, you can also earn cash by scrapping your old vehicle. With updated regulations and authorized treatment facilities (ATFs), you can legally scrap your car and receive money in return. Search online for nearby ATFs to find the closest facility for scrapping your car.
In summary, selling old car batteries is a practical way to earn extra money. Instead of discarding them, explore local buyers or businesses that will buy your used batteries. Not only will you make some cash, but you’ll also contribute to recycling efforts and prevent old batteries from ending up in landfills.
