What is a car battery core charge?

A core charge is a deposit you pay when buying a new part

Auto parts stores charge customers a car battery core charge that

Battery sellers want your old battery returned so it can be recycled.

they refund in full when you return the old battery. Car batteries contain lead, which is toxic if not disposed of properly. 100% of the lead is recyclable. So the core charge serves two purposes; it gives the buyer an incentive to return the battery and get their deposit back, and it allows batteries to be recycled, prevented lead batteries from being disposed of improperly.

Unlike pop bottles which you could return to any store to get the deposit back, some states require that car batteries must be returned to the place where you purchased the new battery. In addition, the returned battery must be the same type as the one you bought. However, other states require that any place that sells batteries must accept returns and even specifies how many old batteries a customer can bring in at one time.

How much is a car battery core charge?

Core charges vary by state environmental laws and the auto parts store policy. In many cases, State laws list a minimum amount for a deposit, but the store may charge more. In addition, many states list a return period in which the buyer can return the battery. Again, this is a minimum. So a State may require stores to accept a return battery for 30-days after the purchase of a new battery, but the store may allow a longer return window.

Car battery core charge amounts and poicies by State

These are minimum charges and minimum return windows

Arkansas — $10 minimum required, 30-days return window

Arizona — Deposit required but varies*, 45-days return window

California — Charge varies*, 45-days return window

Colorado — Deposit allowed but must be $10 minimum, 30-days return window

Connecticut — $5 minimum required, 30-days return window

Florida — Allowed but not required, No return window required

Georgia — Allowed but not required, No return window required

Idaho — $10 minimum required, 30-days return window

Illinois — Allowed but not required, No return window required

Indiana — Allowed but not required, No return window required

Iowa — Allowed but not required, No return window required

Kansas — Allowed but not required, No return window required

Louisiana — Allowed but not required, No return window required

Minnesota — $10 minimum required, 30-days return window

Mississippi — Allowed but not required, No return window required

Missouri — Allowed but not required, No return window required

Kentucky — Allowed but not required, No return window required

Kansas City, MO — Allowed but not required, No return window required

Maine — $10 minimum required, 30-days return window

Massachusetts — Allowed but not required, No return window required

Michigan — Allowed but not required, No return window required

Nebraska — Allowed but not required, No return window required

New Hampshire — Allowed but not required, No return window required

New Jersey — Allowed but not required, No return window required

New Mexico — Allowed but not required, No return window required

New York — $5 required, 30-days return window

North Carolina — Allowed but not required, No return window required

North Dakota — Allowed but not required, No return window required

Ohio — Allowed but not required, No return window required

Oklahoma — Allowed but not required, No return window required

Oregon — Allowed but not required, No return window required

Pennsylvania — Allowed but not required, No return window required

Rhode Island — Allowed but not required, No return window required

South Carolina — $5 required, 30-days return window

South Dakota — Allowed but not required, No return window required

Tennessee — Allowed but not required, No return window required

Texas — Allowed but not required, No return window required

Utah — Allowed but not required, No return window required

Vermont — Allowed but not required, No return window required

Virginia — Allowed but not required, No return window required

Washington — $5 required, 30-days return window

West Virginia — Allowed but not required, No return window required

Wisconsin — $10 required, No return window specified

Wyoming — Allowed but not required, No return window required

* State law requires that the dealer charge a deposit, but does not dictate what the deposit shall be. Each retailer may establish the deposit amount charged.

State data from Battery Council International

©, 2024 Rick Muscoplat