Does NAPA Pay for Old Batteries? (All You Need To Know)

Do you know if NAPA pays for old battery? Well, you are at the perfect place to find the answer to such a question.

The battery is the main power of every electrical component of your automobile. It is necessary for the proper operation of its electrical system.

Over time automotive batteries can lose power and will need to be replaced. Will NAPA Auto Parts pay you for your old battery?

You will need to pay a core fee when purchasing an automotive battery from NAPA Auto Parts. When you return your old battery the core fee will be refunded to you. NAPA Auto Parts will send your old battery to be recycled after it is collected from you.

Below we will discuss the disposal of your old battery with NAPA and what you can expect during the process.

Table of Contents

Replacing your Battery

When your automotive battery needs to be replaced it is a relatively easy task. Most are contained under the hood of the vehicle and easily accessible.

Your battery can be tested by a NAPA Auto Parts Store associate to determine if they are still in functioning order and holding a charge. For most vehicles, it can be tested at the store without the need to remove it.

If your battery is found to be defective it can be replaced quickly. It will only take a few hand tools and just over 15 minutes to remove your old battery and replace it with a new one.

Ensure you clean the battery terminals to ensure you are getting a proper connection when you install the new battery.

Replacement Battery and Pricing

Automotive batteries are not one-size-fits-all. You will need to purchase the correct replacement that fits your vehicle.

NAPA Auto Parts stock many common brands of automotive batteries making it quick and easy to find your replacement battery. You will just need the basic information about your car to find the correct battery in the store.

Included in the pricing for automotive batteries at NAPA Auto Parts is a core charge. It is a refundable deposit when purchasing an automotive battery as an incentive for you to recycle your old battery. You do not need the old part when you purchase its replacement.

The core charge will be returned to you when you can bring your old part in as an exchange.

If you can bring the battery to NAPA Auto Parts at the time of replacement you will not have to pay the core fee.

It will be deducted at the time of purchase saving you the trip of returning to your local NAPA Auto Parts to receive the return of your core fee.

Core Fee Restrictions

If you do not have an old battery, you will still be required to pay the core fee when purchasing a new battery.

If you have already purchased a battery or have an older battery that is no longer needed NAPA Auto Parts will take your battery to be recycled but will not return a core fee if you have not purchased a battery at one of their stores.

Dropping off your used automotive battery at NAPA Auto parts without receiving a return may still be your best option.

Automotive batteries are toxic and may not be and should not be disposed of with your normal trash. They can damage the environment and should be recycled no matter if you will receive a core fee in return.

Recycling Your Automotive Battery

Over 80% of the components used in newly manufactured automotive batteries come from recycled sources.

California, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Indiana, and Texas make it mandatory to recycle your automotive batteries. It also helps create jobs and will reduce the materials and energy needed to manufacture new batteries.

Recycling automotive batteries will prevent corrosive and harmful materials from entering the environment.

The heavy leads and toxins in batteries can seep into the groundwater. Lead contamination can harm groundwater for many years in the future.

Lead poisoning can cause damage to children’s brains and nervous systems. For adults, it can cause high blood pressure and kidney damage.

When a battery is recycled, each of its components is separated from the other. The plastic is ground down and formed into pellets for use when making new automotive batteries.

The lead is melted, and the impurities are removed. The battery acid is also processed for re-use into batteries or other products.

Automotive Batteries

Automotive batteries are 12-volt lead acid batteries. They have lead plates inside that are submerged in sulfuric acid and water.

They are composed of six cells. Each cell has 2.1 volts and will give the battery 12.6 volts total when fully charged. If your battery does not produce at least 12 volts it will need to be replaced.

Your battery is an integral component of your automobile’s electrical system. In addition to providing your automobile with the needed electricity to start, it also supplies extra power when it is running.

The main power source when your engine is running is your alternator. Your battery will stabilize your automobile from damage and voltage spikes.

Having a weak or failing battery will not only prevent your automobile from starting, but it can also hinder its electronics while running.

Your battery will need to be kept in top working condition to keep your automobile running at its peak performance.

Conclusion

NAPA Auto Parts has a program in place for you to return your automotive batteries for recycling.

They charge a core fee when you purchase a new battery which is refundable when you return your old battery. If you do not have a battery to return, you will still have to pay the core fee.

If you did not purchase your automotive battery from NAPA Auto Parts, they will still accept your battery for recycling, but do not pay you for the battery.

This may still be the best option to recycle your old battery and keep it from becoming an environmental hazard if it ends in a landfill. The lead found in batteries can contaminate groundwater for years.

References

https://www.napaonline.com/en/what-is-a-core

https://www.napaonline.com/en/c/replacement-parts/batteries/201579363