Where your old battery goes
Every old lead-acid car battery we take back is sent for recycling. Most of it can be recovered: the lead and plastic are typically reused in new batteries, and the acid is handled separately by the recycler.
This page covers lead-acid batteries, including EFB and AGM. Lithium and other battery types are handled differently, so ask us first.
How to hand it in
Handing in your old battery is easy, and most customers do. Choose what suits you.
Drop it off at our Brackenfell or Stellenbosch branch, whether or not you're buying a new battery.
Our technician takes the old battery away when they fit your new one at your home, work or roadside.
If you won't be returning your old battery, choose “I don't have an old battery to hand in” on the product page, and the no-scrap charge will be added.
A closed loop
Your old battery doesn't go to waste. It goes through four simple steps, and most of it can come back as part of a new one.
- 1You hand it in
Bring it to one of our branches, or our technician takes it when we fit your new battery at your address.
- 2We store it safely
We store old batteries upright and secured, with the terminals protected, to reduce the risk of leaks and shorts.
- 3It goes to the recycler
The battery is typically broken up, and the lead, plastic and acid are separated.
- 4New batteries are made
The recovered lead and plastic can be used again to make new batteries.
What's inside
A lead-acid car battery is made of lead, plastic and acid. Here's how they are typically separated, and what each one can become.
1How they are typically separated
Typical lead-acid recycling process; methods vary by recycler.
- 1Drain the acid. The acid is usually drained first and handled separately.
- 2Break it into pieces. The battery is usually crushed into small pieces.
- 3Water tank. Often a water tank is used: plastic is light, so it floats and is skimmed off. Lead is heavy, so it sinks and is taken out at the bottom.
2What each part can become
Typical lead-acid recycling process; methods vary by recycler.
- 1Old battery. It is split into lead, plastic and acid.
- 2Sorted. The lead and plastic can be used again, and the acid is handled separately.
- 3New battery. The recovered lead and plastic can become part of a new battery.
Lead
Used againThe lead is typically melted down, cleaned and cast into blocks, which are used to make the plates and terminals of new batteries.
Plastic
Used againThe plastic case is typically washed and turned into small pellets, which are used to make new battery cases.
Acid
Handled separatelyThe acid is drained and handled separately. How it is processed depends on the recycler.
Never bin a battery
An old car battery should never go in the rubbish bin or be left lying around. Here's why, and how to handle it safely.
- Lead is poisonous and can seep into the soil and water.
- The acid burns skin and eyes, and damages the ground.
- It's hazardous waste, so it doesn't belong in a bin or on a dump.
- Old batteries can still spark. Keep an intact battery upright and secured, and cover the terminals so nothing metal can bridge them.
- Never open or drain it, and never put it in a bin.
Cracked, swollen or leaking battery? Don't handle it with bare hands and move it as little as possible. If it must be moved, wear gloves and eye protection, keep it upright in a leak-proof container, and tell us before you bring it in. A badly damaged or leaking battery may need specialist hazardous-waste handling.
Spilled battery acid? Keep people and pets away and avoid touching it. Don't wash acid into drains or onto soil.
Acid on skin or in eyes? Flush straight away with plenty of clean running water. For the eyes, keep flushing and get urgent medical help. Never put bicarbonate of soda or any other neutraliser on the body.
Got an old battery lying around?
Bring it to either of our branches, and we'll make sure it's recycled properly.