Australia generates thousands of tonnes of used batteries every year—from cars and forklifts to phones and solar systems. While most people discard old batteries as waste, many of them actually contain valuable metals like lead, lithium, cobalt, and nickel that can be recovered and reused. If you’ve got a pile of batteries collecting dust in your garage, workshop, or warehouse—you could be sitting on a hidden cash opportunity.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top 5 types of batteries you can sell as scrap metal, how much they’re worth, and how to dispose of them legally and safely in Australia.
Lead-acid batteries are the most commonly recycled battery type worldwide. Found in most petrol and diesel vehicles, they contain a significant amount of lead—a dense, heavy metal that’s in high demand for manufacturing and energy storage. These batteries also have acid, plastic casing, and copper components that can be processed and recycled.
In Australia, a used car battery typically fetches $10 to $20 each, depending on size, weight, and market prices for lead.
Forklift and traction batteries are large lead-acid batteries used in heavy-duty industrial applications. They often weigh over 300 kg and contain high concentrations of recyclable lead. Their size and density make them highly profitable for scrap dealers.
Scrap value can range from $100 to over $500 per battery, depending on weight and condition.
Lithium-ion batteries are used in most modern electronic devices and electric vehicles (EVs). They contain lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper, all of which are valuable and increasingly scarce. The demand for lithium has surged due to the EV boom and global battery storage markets.
Prices vary greatly by type, but larger packs (e.g., from EVs or solar) can fetch $30 to $500+. Small handheld batteries are typically sold in bulk by weight.
While less common today, Ni-Cd batteries were widely used in cordless tools and older electronic equipment. They contain nickel and cadmium, both of which are toxic but also valuable for recycling. Although many manufacturers have moved to lithium-ion, there’s still a market for these batteries when disposed of correctly.
Not as high as lithium or lead-acid, but Ni-Cd batteries still offer 50c to $1.50/kg, depending on the nickel content.
NiMH batteries replaced Ni-Cd in many uses due to being more environmentally friendly. They contain nickel, rare earth elements, and steel, which can be reclaimed and reused in manufacturing. They’re still used in hybrid vehicles and some consumer electronics.
Depending on the type and size, NiMH batteries range from $1 to $5/kg for scrap.
Selling and recycling batteries is legal in Australia, but there are regulations around:
You must not place batteries in household bins—they are toxic and pose fire risks in landfills and garbage trucks.
Many licensed scrap metal yards in Sydney, including our business, buy batteries in small and large quantities. We accept:
We offer:
Don’t let old batteries take up space or risk harming the environment. Whether it’s a dead car battery, industrial forklift cell, or worn-out solar battery, you can turn it into real money—and help reduce landfill waste at the same time.
At Pro Scrap Metal, we make the process quick, safe, and fully compliant.
Got batteries scrap in Sydney? Contact us today for a free quote or pickup schedule.
