Learn where lead-acid battery recycling can be found in the U.S.

Most retailers, auto parts stores or service outlets that sell new lead-acid batteries will accept a small number (one or two) of spent lead-acid batteries with their lead-acid battery recycling programs. If you have a larger quantity to be recycled, make a quick phone call to verify that your chosen outlet can handle a greater number of batteries.

Thirty-seven states in the U.S. require lead-acid battery recycling, making retailers collect used lead-acid batteries from customers who buy new batteries. These laws, based on the BCI's model lead-acid battery recycling legislation, ensure that consumers in those states can return old automotive batteries for recycling. Click here to view a chart that describes the lead-acid battery recycling laws in the states where they exist.

Even if you live in a state where there is no lead-acid battery recycling law, it's common for battery retailers to accept used lead-acid batteries from customers. The spent batteries collected by retailers are shipped to recycling facilities that are licensed and regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Here is a list of the states with lead-acid battery recycling laws based on the BCI model:

• Arizona*
• Arkansas*
• California
• Connecticut*
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho*
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine*
• Michigan
• Minnesota*
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• New Jersey
• New York*
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island*
• South Carolina*
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington*
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Note: * indicates states with a system of returnable deposit in lieu of trade-in. In these states, when you buy a new battery without turning in an old battery for recycling, you will be charged a deposit ranging from $5.00 to $10.00. The deposit will be refunded if you later turn in the old battery.

Click here to view a chart that describes the lead-acid battery recycling laws in the states where they exist.