Walmart Battery Core Charge in 2024: What You Need to Know
If you own a car, the chances are good that you‘ll need to replace its battery at some point. Industry experts estimate that the average car battery lasts 3-5 years before needing replacement. With millions of battery replacements happening each year, core charges play an important role in encouraging recycling.
Walmart is one major retailer that requires extra fees on new battery purchases that are refunded when you return the old battery. Here‘s a detailed look at how Walmart‘s battery core charge program works in 2024.
Regional Differences in Walmart‘s Core Charges
While specific fees vary, Walmart‘s battery core charges typically fall between $5-20. Here‘s a breakdown of typical rates by region:
- West Coast – $5-10
- Midwest – $10-15
- South – $10-20
- Northeast – $15-20
Core charges may be listed separately or lumped under a "merchandising fee" on receipts. States with active battery recycling laws tend to see charges on the higher end.
Environmental Benefits of Battery Core Charges
Recycling old batteries keeps hazardous lead, sulfuric acid, and other toxic components out of landfills. The EPA estimates that 97% of lead-acid automotive batteries are recycled in the US. Core charge programs have played a major role in achieving that high recycling rate.
Compared to throwing an old car battery in the trash, recycling through a core charge program:
- Saves 12-15lbs of lead from entering landfills
- Avoids sulfuric acid leakage that can contaminate groundwater
- Prevents toxic incineration emissions if sent to a waste-to-energy facility
- Reduces demand for newly mined lead, as recycled material can be used to manufacture new batteries
How to Get Your Walmart Core Charge Refunded
Returning your old battery to any Walmart store customer service desk within 90 days is the easiest way to get your core charge refunded. Make sure to bring:
- Original receipt showing the core charge
- Un damaged, intact old battery
You can expect to receive your refund in one of three ways:
- Cash
- Credited back to your original payment card
- Walmart gift card
Policies vary by state – some require cash refunds for core charges by law. Check your receipt for details.
Walmart vs. Other Retailers: Core Charge Comparison
Here‘s how Walmart‘s core charge and refund policies stack up against key competitors:
| Retailer | Typical Fee | Refund Limit | Return Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | $5-$20 | 90 days | Must be original purchaser |
| AutoZone | $10-$15 | 90 days | Must be AZ battery |
| O‘Reilly | $15 | 90 days | Must be O‘Reilly battery |
| Costco | $15 | 90 days | Must be Costco member |
| Sam‘s Club | $15 | 90 days | Must be Sam‘s Club member |
In general, the same 90 day limit and "like for like" return policies apply across major retailers. Membership clubs often require proof of membership for refunds.
The Bottom Line
While extra fees are never ideal, Walmart‘s battery core charge ultimately benefits the environment and community health by promoting responsible recycling. Now that you know what to expect from Walmart‘s policies, you can properly dispose of your old car batteries and get your core charge refunded.
