Advice · updated 2026-10-03
Disposing of an old car battery
On a supply-and-fit visit we take the old battery away. It shouldn't go in the household rubbish. We fit the new one at the car in London, Birmingham or Manchester.
Where the old battery goes
Lead-acid batteries do not belong in the household bin or in a skip with ordinary waste. On a supply-and-fit visit the fitter removes the old unit and takes it away as part of the job. You are not left with a heavy, acid-filled case in the hall.
If you supplied the new battery yourself, say on the quote form whether the old one should leave with the fitter. That is agreed on the callback. Do not abandon it beside a public bin.
Damaged cases need a plan
A cracked, leaking, swollen or frozen battery is not jumped, and it is not tipped to empty it. Acid and lead stay in the case. Describe the damage on the form so the visit allows for a leaking unit rather than a clean swap.
Do not wash acid into a drain. Do not pack a leaking battery in a carrier bag and call that contained. Tell us. The fitter comes to the car in London, Birmingham or Manchester once the quote is agreed.
What you should not do with the terminals
Tape or cap the terminals if the battery is out of the car and waiting, so a spanner cannot bridge the posts. Keep it upright. An AGM is sealed but still a lead battery. It takes the same disposal route.
Type your mobile number on the quote form. We call you back. There is no depot you can drop the old battery into, because there is no depot. The collection is the visit.
Questions before you send a quote
Do you always take the old battery?
On supply and fit, yes. On a battery you supplied, say on the form if you want the old one removed.
Can I put it in the bin?
No. It is not household rubbish.
Is there a drop-off depot?
No. There is no depot. The old battery leaves with the fitter when that was agreed.
A worked example
On a supply-and-fit in Erdington the old EFB comes out, the new EFB goes in, and the old unit leaves in the fitter van. The customer does not keep it for a later tip run. On a customer-supplied fit in Barnet, the callback agrees the old AGM will also be taken, because the customer has nowhere suitable to store a lead battery.
Safety
Do not tip acid out, do not jump a leaking or swollen case, and do not put the battery in household rubbish. Keep it upright until it is collected.