Yes, your car battery is worth $5 to $20 when scrapping, depending on size and current lead prices.
Car battery scrap value details:
| Battery Type | Weight | Scrap Value |
|---|---|---|
| Standard car battery | 30 to 50 lbs | $5 to $15 |
| Truck or SUV battery | 40 to 60 lbs | $10 to $20 |
| Hybrid battery pack | 50 to 150 lbs | $20 to $200+ |
Why car batteries have scrap value:
- Lead-acid batteries contain 20 to 30 pounds of recyclable lead
- Lead scrap pays $0.20 to $0.40 per pound
- Battery recycling is required by law in most states
- Auto parts stores, scrap yards, and battery retailers buy used batteries
Options for selling your old battery:
- Scrap yards pay cash by weight
- Auto parts stores (AutoZone, O’Reilly, Advance) offer $5 to $20 store credit or cash
- Some junkyards include battery value in their vehicle quote
If selling your junk car whole, leave the battery installed. Most junk car buyers factor it into their offer. If scrapping individual parts, selling the battery separately adds a few extra dollars.