Car batteries don’t last forever. Once it’s dead, the step we all follow is to replace it with a new one. And once you’ve replaced it, there’s the leftover battery to deal with. Not exactly something you toss in the bin and forget.
What surprises people is how dangerous old batteries can be when left sitting too long. They’re full of acid, lead, and other materials that quietly cause damage if not handled properly. So, getting rid of them through car battery recycling in Melbourne matters more than most realise.
Read ahead to learn how you can do that in the blog below.
What Happens When Car Batteries Are Dumped the Wrong Way
Leaving a battery behind the shed or tossing it into general rubbish might feel easy. But it’s where a lot of long-term issues start.
Car batteries contain sulphuric acid and lead — two things you definitely don’t want leaking into your backyard or seeping through landfill. Once the casing starts to crack, the acid can corrode metal surfaces, poison soil, and even affect local water systems.
Then there’s the lead. It is even worse. It leaches into the environment, in water, even in animals that come into contact with it. You might not notice it right away, but the damage builds over time.
These batteries aren’t likely to explode. But they can spark, release harmful gases, or attract pests once they start breaking down. They’re also heavy, awkward to move, and dangerous to touch if they’re leaking.
The Right Way to Get Rid of an Old Car Battery
The safe way is surprisingly simple: drop it off at a certified car battery recycling centre in Melbourne.
Why? Because they’re equipped to:
- Handle acid safely
- Extract and reuse valuable materials like lead
- Prevent environmental harm at every stage
Pro tips before you head out:
- Place it upright in a leakproof tray or box
- Strictly avoid storing it indoors or near heat
- Don’t open or dismantle the battery
Just store it safely, and it’s ready for drop-off.
Where to Recycle Car Batteries in Melbourne
Across Melbourne, there are a few options for car battery recycling. Local council centres sometimes take them, and some auto stores might accept old batteries when you buy a new one. But for a straightforward drop-off and fair compensation, dedicated scrap yards tend to be a better fit.
Facilities like Pro Metal Recycling specialise in this. We accept all types of vehicle batteries, and we’re licensed to process and recycle them without cutting corners. You’ll find us equipped to deal with large volumes or just the odd unit.
Can You Make Money from Recycling Car Batteries in Melbourne?
Yes — in many cases, old car batteries still have value. The lead content, in particular, can be extracted and reused, which means you can often receive a payout when recycling through the right facility.
At Pro Metal Recycling, pricing is based on the type and condition of the battery. While you won’t get rich off a single battery, it adds up if you’re clearing out multiple units — or if you regularly handle batteries in your business.
More importantly, you’re not just earning a bit back — you’re keeping dangerous materials out of the environment and supporting the reuse of existing resources.
Don’t Let Old Batteries Sit Around
Leaving an old car battery lying around isn’t just inconvenient — it’s risky. Over time, corrosion can cause leaks, and handling becomes more dangerous. On top of that, it’s a missed opportunity to recover materials that can be put to good use.
When it’s time to get rid of your battery, don’t guess. Recycle it through a trusted source. Now you know whom to go to in Melbourne for car battery recycling.
At Pro Metal Recycling, we will handle all the hard parts from sorting to processing, so you don’t have to. And yes, we’ll pay you for your batteries based on current scrap rates.
Give us a call and we will help you get it sorted the right way.