Walmart is known as the place to buy anything you need, but can you actually recycle your old car battery at this superstore?
If you have a battery on your hands and don’t know what to do with it, you’re in the right place.
Today, we’re talking about recycling dead batteries and electronics.
Let’s fire it up!
Why is Recycling Batteries Important?
You’ve probably heard that you shouldn’t throw old batteries in the trash. From the tiny AAAs in your TV remote to the automotive battery in your car, all types contain harmful chemicals that can wreak havoc on the environment.
For example, the device in your car probably includes lead and sulfuric acid. Meanwhile, those found in children’s toys and flashlights have a range of other heavy metals that will eventually leak out if not disposed of properly.
That’s the last thing we need in our drinking water.
It isn’t just an environmental problem, though. In 2018, one study found that 83% of California’s recycling facilities had experienced fires within the last two years. Officials traced 65% of these events back to improperly recycled batteries. After all, you can’t just chuck them in the bin with your paper and plastic.
Additionally, both state and federal laws require us to recycle these items.
Other Electronics You Should Recycle
You’ll need to think twice before throwing out any electronic devices. Of course, when you recycle things like computers and cell phones, you must remove the rechargeable battery first. However, other items, such as printers, TVs, routers, and even Christmas lights, should also be recycled.
Basically, if it requires electricity, it shouldn’t go in your trash can or household recycling bin. Most of these things contain a circuit board or wiring that needs special handling.
Most municipalities accept large appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators. You might have to drop them off at your local recycling center or call for pickup. Of course, there’s no guarantee they’ll actually recycle these items, but they will remove any harmful electrical components.
Looking for more? Here’s how to Dispose of Used Motor Oil at Walmart.
Does Walmart Recycle Batteries?
According to the Walmart website, some locations partner with Manufacturers Recycling Management (MRM) to dispose of batteries and electronics. However, not all stores offer this service
We called our nearest supercenter to get more information. The Walmart representative we spoke to told us they’ll not only recycle our used car battery, but they’ll also pay us $12 for each one we bring in!
The only stipulations are that it must be fully intact and can’t leak. You’ll have to find another way to get rid of automotive batteries with icky gunk oozing out of them.
Unfortunately, our local store can’t accept batteries from other electronics like computers and cell phones. That being said, we found other stores that recycle everything from ink cartridges to propane tanks.
The best way to find out if your nearest Walmart will recycle your battery is to give them a call.
Find out Who Makes Walmart Brand Vehicle Batteries.
What Other Stores Recycle Electronics for Free?
If your local Walmart won’t recycle your battery, you have plenty of other options.
The best place to start is your city or county’s municipal recycling center. Many accept these items as well as spent electronics. If not, they can likely point you in the direction of someone who will.
You can also check out websites like Earth911 and Call2Recycle. Both have directories that allow you to search using your zip code. You can also narrow your query based on the type of item you need to unload.
Other big-box stores can also be good resources for these services. We found that our nearby Home Depot accepts rechargeable batteries, while Lowes can recycle rechargeable and cell phone batteries. Occasionally, Best Buy will have a bin at the entrance where you can toss old electronics. Just call ahead before hauling your loot to the store, as they’re not available at every location.
Pro Tip: Check out the Call2Recycle website to find the nearest place to recycle your batteries!
Who Else Will Pay You for Recycling Batteries?
Walmart is far from the only place that’ll reimburse you when you recycle a battery. In fact, many businesses specialize in this process. While your cell phone provider might give you a discount on your next device when you buy a new one, you’ll still lose money on the transaction. Here are some more lucrative options to consider.
If you own a business that generates a lot of batteries, like a car repair shop, you can partner with companies like Battery Recyclers of America. They’ll pick up your haul, weigh it, and send you payment right away. They pay per pound, so the more the merrier.
The rest of us have more limited options. You probably won’t find anyone who’ll pay for a handful of empty AAs, but websites like GadgetGone and SellCell buy electronics, including phones and computers. This is a great opportunity to empty out that drawer full of outdated iPhones. Just be sure to wipe your data before sending it off.
ECO Battery Bins are Another Great Way to Dispose of Old Batteries.
Is Recycling Your Batteries at Walmart Worth It?
When you need to recycle an old car battery, Walmart is an excellent place to do it. After all, there are over 4,500 locations in the US, so there’s bound to be one nearby. Plus, they’ll give you a little cash in return!
If your local Walmart doesn’t recycle, check out your municipal recycling center or other big-box stores to see who does. There’s a good chance you’ll find someone to take it off your hands!
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