That old battery sitting in the garage might look like something you simply need to get rid of — but it could actually be worth something.
Maybe it’s an old car battery that was replaced but never quite made it to the recycling yard. A few batteries left over from a workshop job. Or perhaps you’ve got a stack of commercial batteries that have been sitting around because you haven’t had time to work out what to do with them. The temptation is to throw them away and forget about them. But lead-based batteries contain materials that can be recovered and recycled. And if you’re in Auckland, you don’t have to travel far to find somewhere to take them.
At endless, we buy lead-based batteries at our two Auckland yards: Onehunga and Wairau Valley. You don’t need an appointment, our team grades your batteries when you arrive, and you’re paid the same day. If you’ve brought several different types, we’ll work through them with you so you understand what you’re selling. If you’ve searched for battery recycling near me, here’s what you need to know.
Where Can I Recycle a Battery in Auckland?
For most Aucklanders, the answer comes down to which side of the harbour you’re on.
Onehunga
Our Onehunga yard serves customers from Onehunga, Penrose, Mt Wellington, Ōtāhuhu, Manukau and the wider South Auckland area.
endless Onehunga
147 Neilson Street, Onehunga
Monday–Friday: 7am–5pm
Saturday: 7am–2pm
If you’re looking for battery recycling near Penrose, Mt Wellington or Ōtāhuhu, our Onehunga yard is the closest endless location.
Wairau Valley
Our Wairau Valley yard serves customers from Wairau Valley, Glenfield, Takapuna, Albany and the wider North Shore.
endless Wairau Valley
245 Archers Road, Wairau Valley
Monday–Friday: 8am–5pm
Saturday: 8:00am–2.30pm
If you’re looking for battery recycling near Albany, Takapuna or Glenfield, our Wairau Valley yard is the endless location for the North Shore.
What Kind of Batteries Does endless Accept?
Not every battery is the same, and endless buys lead-based batteries rather than every type of battery you might find around a home or workshop.
There are three main categories we accept.
Lead-acid Automotive Batteries
These are the familiar batteries used in many cars, trucks and motorcycles. They’re designed to deliver the high current needed to start a vehicle and contain lead-based materials that can be recovered through recycling.
Sealed AGM and Gel Batteries
Not all lead-based batteries look like the battery under your car bonnet. AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat), gel and VRLA (Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid) batteries are sealed lead-based batteries commonly found in UPS systems, wheelchairs, alarms, emergency lighting and backup power equipment. They’re usually smaller, solid-looking black boxes, but they can be surprisingly heavy for their size.
So how do you know what you’ve got?
Look for:
- A “Pb” marking on the label or casing — Pb is the chemical symbol for lead.
- AGM, Gel, VRLA or Sealed AGM printed on the battery.
- No removable vent caps — these batteries are sealed and don’t have free-flowing acid inside.
- A heavy weight for their size — they’re often denser and heavier than they look.
- A rectangular black-box shape, although the exact shape can vary depending on the application.
You might find them in everything from an office UPS to a mobility scooter or emergency lighting system. They may look very different from a traditional flooded car battery, but they’re still part of the lead-based battery stream.
Not sure what you’ve got? Don’t guess. Take a photo of the label and send it to the endless team, or bring the battery into one of our yards and we’ll help identify it.
Steel-encased Lead Batteries
These are lead-based batteries contained within a steel casing and can be found in applications such as forklifts, telecommunications equipment and standby power systems.
If you’re unsure what type of battery you’ve got, look for the Pb marking.
Still not sure? Send the endless team a photo and we’ll help you identify it.
What About Lithium Batteries?
This distinction is particularly important. endless buys lead-based batteries, but does not accept lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal-hydride batteries. These can be found in items such as:
- Laptops
- Power tools
- E-bikes
- Some electric vehicles
- Other rechargeable electronic equipment
These batteries require specialist handling and shouldn’t be mixed into a scrap load. If you’ve got a collection of different batteries and aren’t sure what you’re looking at, contact the endless team before bringing them in.
Why Are Some Batteries Worth More Than Others?
If you’ve got a pile of old batteries, you might assume they’re all worth roughly the same amount. They’re not. Different batteries contain different materials and can fall into different grades. Their condition and construction can also affect how they’re classified. That’s why a large commercial battery load isn’t necessarily valued in the same way as a handful of automotive batteries. This is where having your batteries assessed by an experienced recycler makes a difference.
Turn Your Scrap Batteries Into Cash Today
Got old car batteries or commercial lead-acid scrap lying around? Drive straight into your nearest Endless yard for instant grading and same-day payment, no appointment needed.
Check Live Battery Prices | Find Your Nearest Yard (Onehunga & Wairau)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I recycle a car battery near me in Auckland?
endless buys lead-based batteries at two Auckland yards: Onehunga and Wairau Valley. Onehunga serves South Auckland and Wairau Valley serves the North Shore.
Is there battery recycling near Penrose or Mt Wellington?
Yes. The endless Onehunga yard at 147 Neilson Street is the closest endless location for customers in Penrose, Mt Wellington, Ōtāhuhu and surrounding areas.
Is there battery recycling near Albany or Takapuna?
Yes. The endless Wairau Valley yard at 245 Archers Road serves customers from Albany, Takapuna, Glenfield, Wairau Valley and the wider North Shore.
Does endless accept lithium batteries?
No. endless buys lead-based batteries only. Lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal-hydride batteries require specialist handling and should not be mixed with scrap metal.
Do both endless yards pay the same battery price?
Not necessarily. Pricing can differ between Onehunga and Wairau Valley because of market conditions, exchange rates and the costs involved in transporting material for processing. Check the live pricing for the yard you’re visiting before you leave.
What if I don’t live near Onehunga or Wairau Valley?
endless currently operates these two Auckland yards. If you’re further away, contact the team and we can help point you in the right direction.