Car batteries unfortunately do not last forever. The expected lifespan of a new car battery is three to five years, and when your car battery inevitably dies, you can’t simply throw it away since it’s considered hazardous waste. There are multiple ways to safely dispose of a car battery, like checking out your city’s hazardous waste collection program — or even dropping off the battery at O’Reilly Auto Parts. And if you bring your battery there, you get $10.

O’Reilly Auto Parts offers free car battery recycling as well as a $10 O’Reilly gift card. However, only certain batteries qualify. According to the official websiteonly car batteries that weren’t a core return from a past purchase are eligible for the gift card. In other words, you can’t get both the core-charge refund and a $10 recycling gift card for the same battery. The battery must also be undamaged. Team members could refuse a damaged battery, especially if it’s leaking acid. You can recycle a maximum of five batteries per day, unless you’re in California, where the maximum is six, or Florida, where you’re limited to two.

If you plan to take your dead car battery to O’Reilly Auto Parts, you’ll need to first remove the battery safely. First, make sure you’re wearing gloves in case there’s a leak. Then, disconnect the cable from the battery’s negative terminal. Loosening the terminal’s nut could take a wrench — and there are a few other tools you’ll possibly need, like gloves, safety glasses, and cleaning supplies. The battery could have acid corrosion, which calls for a neutralizing cleaner and a brush for removing acid crystals.

Disconnect the positive cable in the same manner afterward. Once it’s out, check the battery for any damage or leakage. If it appears intact and isn’t leaking, it should be safe to take to O’Reilly. Before heading to the store, you’ll need to store it in a safe manner. Place it in a plastic bag, maybe two. This will make sure the grease and other contaminants on the battery won’t stain your car. Ensure that the battery is positioned so it won’t be moved around too much while you drive, which could cause damage.

If there is a leak, place it on a plastic tray and avoid any contact with your skin. You won’t be able to return it to O’Reilly for the gift card – you’ll have to bring it to a household hazardous waste collection center in your town. Once you’re heading out, put on your safety gear and carefully insert the leaking battery into a sealed plastic tub and place it in your trunk away from passengers and heat sources.