Battery Recycling Market

Battery Recycling Market Size, Share and Outlook 2025-2033:

The global battery recycling market size reached USD 16.8 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 32.7 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.88% during 2025-2033. Europe dominates the market, holding the largest battery recycling market share.

Market Size & Forecasts:

• Battery recycling market was valued at USD 16.8 Billion in 2024.
• The market is projected to reach USD 32.7 Billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 6.88% from 2025-2033.

Dominant Segments:

• Type: Lead-acid batteries account for the majority of the market share due to their extensive application and well-established recycling processes.
• Source: Industrial holds the largest share of the industry due to the bulk volume of batteries being consumed by the industries in their respective applications. 
• Region: Europe is the largest geographical segment of the market, driven by strict environmental laws and regulations and solid policies for recycling. 

 Key Players:

• The leading companies in the market include Accurec Recycling GmbH, Aqua Metals, Battery Solutions, Call2Recycle Inc., Eco-Bat Technologies, Enersys, Exide Technologies, G. & P. Batteries Limited, Gravita India Limited, Johnson Controls, Retriev Technologies Inc., Umicore, etc.

Key Drivers of Market Growth:

• Eco Awareness: The increasing concerns about the ecological effects of discarded batteries and the accessibility of raw materials is propelling the move toward battery recycling to minimize waste and improve sustainability.
• Government Assistance: Governments globally are swiftly enacting policies and providing financial incentives to promote battery recycling initiatives, creating an eco-friendly supply chain for electric vehicles (EVs) and other battery-operated goods.
• Rising Need for EV Battery Recycling: The surge in popularity of EVs is catalyzing the demand for battery recycling to effectively handle the quantity of depleted batteries, ensuring a consistent supply of essential materials required for new battery production.
• Advancements in Technology: Recent innovations in recycling techniques, like improved methods for extracting valuable metals, are enhancing the efficiency and profitability of battery recycling processes.

Future Outlook:

• Strong Growth Outlook: The market for battery recycling is witnessing steady growth with the help of technological advancements, government support, and the increasing need for electric vehicles and other energy storage devices.
• Market Evolution: The industry is shifting towards broader application, with recycling activities scaling up worldwide to address the rising number of end-of-life batteries, thus creating a more sustainable and circular economy.

Battery Recycling Market Trends:

Growing Use of Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Growing use of electric vehicles (EVs) is the major factor driving the demand for battery recycling. As the total number of EVs on roads globally grows, so does the number of lithium-ion batteries facing their end of life. EV manufacturers try to extend battery life, but the inevitable need to dispose of and recycle batteries cannot be evaded. As a result, there is an urgent requirement for strong recycling infrastructure and technology to manage spent batteries. There is also a rise in the demand for recovered materials such as cobalt, lithium, and nickel, which are used to manufacture new batteries. As people and governments demand cleaner substitutes for fossil fuel, EVs are emerging as the focal point of the energy revolution worldwide, making efficient and scalable battery recycling technologies even more crucial to fuel this industry's growth. IMARC Group predicts that the global EV market is anticipated to reach USD 4,360 Billion by 2033.

Increase in Demand for Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Systems (ESS)

The growing use of renewable energy technologies like solar and wind power is driving the demand for energy storage systems (ESS), based on large-scale battery technology. With more energy storage systems being installed to deal with intermittent supply of energy, the lifespan of these batteries has become a major issue. As these storage batteries age and need replacement, their recycling becomes crucial to avoid environmental harm and ensure sustainable energy practices. The increasing adoption of ESS in residential, commercial, and industrial applications is directly translating to an increase in the demand for battery recycling, as used batteries from such systems must be recycled, with extracted materials like lithium and nickel reused in new systems, enabling a more circular energy economy. In 2025, BatX Energies Pvt. Ltd., a prominent lithium-ion battery recycling firm, launched its Critical Minerals Extraction facility (HUB-1) in Uttar Pradesh. This facility represents an important advancement in obtaining crucial materials like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese from spent lithium-ion batteries. The facility seeks to meet the increasing demand for these essential minerals, crucial for India's burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) industry, while minimizing reliance on imports and bolstering the nation's Net Zero 2070 objective and AtmaNirbhar Bharat initiative.

Increasing Environmental Awareness and Sustainability Initiatives

Increased concerns over environmental damage and waste effects are encouraging governments and industries to pay greater attention to sustainable practices such as battery recycling, thereby expanding the global battery recycling market size 2025. The effect of the improper disposal of batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, on the environment is rising concerns because of the toxic materials involved. As the world recognizes further the necessity for conservation of resources and the minimization of wastage, recycling of batteries is emerging as a key part of the solution. Through recycling batteries, materials worth recovering can be recovered, lowering the demand for primary mining, whose impact on the environment is disastrous. With individuals and businesses becoming more environmentally conscious, the call for safe disposal and recycling of solutions is becoming more stringent, further facilitating the development of the battery recycling market. In 2025, India announced its plans to implement incentive programs this year to promote recycling of 24 identified essential minerals, including lithium and cobalt, crucial for the green energy transition. These minerals are classified as vital for India's plan to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2070. The government has set aside Rs.1,500 crore (US$ 174.07 million) for recycling projects, which is included in a larger Rs.16,300 crore (US$ 1.89 billion) investment in advancing the critical minerals sector.

Battery Recycling Market Growth Drivers:

Government Regulations and Policy Initiatives

Global governments are increasingly implementing regulations to tackle the heightened issues of waste management, specifically used batteries. Various nations are enacting or are planning to enact extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws, which require the producers to take up the responsibility of collecting and recycling their products at their end-of-life. Such laws have been introduced to curb the environmental footprint of batteries and to make sure that the vital materials are recovered for reuse. Furthermore, numerous governments are providing incentives and economic assistance for the development of recycling infrastructure, additionally driving the market. Such policies are providing a more organized and controlled setup for recycling operations, thereby increasing business confidence in investing in modern recycling technologies and practices.

Technological Developments in Recycling Processes

Progress in battery recycling technologies is considerably enhancing the efficiency and economics of recycling, which is supporting the market growth. Conventional recycling processes, including pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods, are being upgraded and streamlined to enhance the recovery rate and reduce environmental consequences. As an example, new technologies like direct recycling and mechanical processes are being created to maintain the structural integrity of battery materials to ensure a better extraction of valuable resources like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. These technologies are lowering the energy expenditure and environmental impact of battery recycling, and as a result, it is becoming an economically stronger and sustainable strategy for companies. As such technologies advance, the overall ability to recycle used batteries will increase.

Growing Awareness and Demand for Green Products

With growing awareness about the environment, demand for sustainably sourced and environment friendly products is rising. Shoppers are increasingly focusing on sustainability when making purchases, including buying products that are produced from recyclable materials or which promise longer product lifecycles. Moreover, manufacturers in many industries are gearing up to have their products, especially batteries, be recyclable or produced using recycled materials. This trend is directly driving the demand for more effective battery recycling methods, as producers want to fulfil the demand and regulatory standards. Increased demand for cleaner products is encouraging companies to make an investment in creating improved recycling behavior and technology. This trend not only is supporting the market growth in battery recycling but is also informing the wider debate regarding the efficiency of resources as well as environmental stewardship in the production of vehicles and electronic products.

Battery Recycling Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on type, source, end-use, and material.

Breakup by Type:

• Lead-acid Batteries
• Nickel-based Batteries
• Lithium-based Batteries
• Others

Lead-acid batteries accounts for the majority of the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes lead-acid batteries, nickel-based batteries, lithium-based batteries, and others. According to the report, lead-acid batteries represented the largest segment.

The largest type in the market is represented by lead-acid batteries, due to their extensive application and well-established recycling processes. Major applications include automotive such as starting, lighting, and ignition batteries. Besides applications, they are utilized for backup power supply in telecommunication and other critical infrastructures. According to the battery recycling market insights, the recycling rate for these batteries runs high, mainly due to economic and environmental motivations. It is economically viable to recycle lead-acid batteries since a large quantity of lead can be recovered from them, and the market value is substantial. This process is also cost-effective since infrastructures for recycling are already available, and, compared to other options for battery disposal, it is relatively easy. Thus, diverse regulatory frameworks worldwide mandate the recycling of these batteries to prevent lead contamination. Furthermore, advancements in recycling technology are enhancing the recovery rate of lead while minimizing the environmental impact of the process. Consequently, higher battery recycling demand, coupled with economic feasibility, established infrastructure, and robust regulatory support, solidifies lead-acid batteries as the dominant segment in the market.

Breakup by Source:

• Industrial
• Automotive
• Consumer Products
• Electronic Appliances
• Others

Industrial holds the largest share of the industry

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the source. This includes industrial, automotive, consumer products, electronic appliances, and others. According to the report, industrial represented the largest segment.

The industrial segment accounted for the largest share of the source segment of the market due to the bulk volume of batteries being consumed by the industries in their respective applications. It caters to manufacturing industries, telecommunication industries, energy storage systems, and uninterruptible power supply units that require large-scale battery deployments to ensure operational efficiency and reliability. According to the battery recycling market dynamics, the rate of turnover of industrial batteries, especially lead-acid and lithium-ion types is becoming high due to the intensive usage and a comparatively shorter lifecycle is propelling the market. There is, therefore, an accumulation of huge spent batteries waiting in line for recycling. Their recycling is imperative for saving the environment and resource recovery since they contain critical materials, among them lead, nickel, cobalt, and lithium. In addition, regulatory requirements for proper disposal and recycling of industrial batteries to prevent environmental contamination and to provide safe handling of hazardous materials are driving the demand. Moreover, the value of recovered materials from industrial batteries itself provides impetus to the recycling industry by attracting investments in advanced technologies and infrastructure. Thus, the large volume contribution by the industrial segment and the critical need for sustainable disposal solutions ensure the dominance of this segment in the market.

Breakup by End-Use:

• Reuse
• Repackaging
• Extraction
• Others

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the end-use. This includes reuse, repackaging, extraction, and others.

Breakup by Material:

• Manganese
• Iron
• Lithium
• Nickel
• Cobalt
• Lead
• Aluminium
• Others

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the material have also been provided in the report. This includes manganese, iron, lithium, nickel, cobalt, lead, aluminium, and others.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa

Europe leads the market, accounting for the largest battery recycling market share

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Europe represents the largest regional market for battery recycling.

Europe is the largest geographical segment of the market, driven by strict environmental laws and regulations and solid policies for recycling. The European Union is adopting broad-ranging directives relating to the correct collection, treatment, and recycling of batteries to minimize their impact on the environment and also to ensure resource efficiency. These regulations enforce strict compliance from manufacturers and consumers, thereby significantly improving the recycling rates of batteries across the region. In addition, the commitment of Europe to sustainable development and circular economy policies is further fueling the market. Another driver of investment in recycling is the regional agenda to reduce dependence on raw material imports through the recovery of valuable materials including lithium, cobalt, and nickel from spent batteries. In addition, the increasing electric vehicle adoption in Europe is resulting in significant demand for battery recycling. Moreover, the battery recycling market outlook indicates that the implementation of various regulatory frameworks, technology advancements, and sustainability initiatives supports the European region to remain the largest as well as the most dynamic in the market.

Competitive Landscape:

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the major market players in the battery recycling industry include:

• Accurec Recycling GmbH
• Aqua Metals
• Battery Solutions
• Call2Recycle Inc.
• Eco-Bat Technologies
• Enersys
• Exide Technologies
• G. & P. Batteries Limited
• Gravita India Limited
• Johnson Controls
• Retriev Technologies Inc.
• Umicore

(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)

Key players in the market are investing in new, state-of-the-art recycling technologies and increasing operational capacity to meet the growing demand for sustainable ways of disposal of batteries. Companies such as Umicore, Johnson Controls, and Battery Solutions are developing their recycling techniques further by innovating hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy to achieve better source recovery rates with less environmental harm. Some strategic partnerships and collaborations help firms leverage combined expertise and resources to offer the best in their recycling operations and market reach. Furthermore, such companies are adhering to regulatory requirements and set sustainability goals by forcing environmentally friendly practices of international standards. Programs relating to raising consumer awareness and consumer participation in battery recycling programs further raise their market presence. The battery recycling market overview suggests that technology innovations, strategic collaborations, and strong commitments to environmental stewardship by key stakeholders are further driving the market forward.

Battery Recycling Market News:

• July 2025: LG Energy Solution and Toyota Tsusho Corporation have formed Green Metals Battery Innovations, LLC (GMBI), a partnership aimed at battery recycling initiatives in the United States. The collaboration, revealed on June 19, 2025, will build a pre-processing plant in Winston-Salem, NC, aimed at recovering valuable battery materials from production waste and ultimately from end-of-life batteries.
• June 2025: To mark World Environment Day, Maxvolt Energy Industries, a major lithium battery technology firm in India, revealed its impressive plan to steer the organization towards lowering carbon emissions and adopting sustainable energy methods. The NSE-listed company, which prioritizes environmental concerns, aims to enhance its lithium battery recycling capabilities with a planned new facility in NCR or Western Uttar Pradesh. Officials in the relevant division of Maxvolt have begun the land acquisition process covering 22,000 to 25,000 square metres for the purpose of constructing an advanced lithium battery recycling and repurposing facility.
• June 2025: Attero has revealed a major expansion of its rare earth element (REE) recycling capacity to 30,000 tonnes from 300 tonnes in the next 12 to 24 months by investing INR 100 crore. This expansion aligns with the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), initiated by the Government of India in 2025 to decrease import reliance and encourage self-sufficiency in critical mineral supply chains.
• April 2025: The inaugural electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling facility in the UK has obtained millions of dollars in funding to support the expansion of its operation in Plymouth. Altilium Clean Technology has 50 employees spread across three sites in the city and Tavistock. The company announced it had raised $20 million in the past 18 months from various private investors and aimed to grow its operations.
• March 2025: Recyclekaro, a company specializing in e-scrap management and lithium-ion battery recycling located in Mumbai, India, has boosted its annual recycling capacity to 24,000 metric tons at its plant in Palghar, close to Mumbai. The expansion increases Recyclekaro’s capacity for electronics recycling from 7,500 metric tons to 24,000 metric tons annually and for battery recycling from 4,200 metric tons to 10,000 metric tons each year.
• July 24, 2024: Novocycle Technologies announced significant advancements in its technology for battery recycling, enhancing a new industry standard in sustainability and efficiency. The cutting-edge process developed by Novocycle includes careful dismantling and disassembly of spent batteries, recovering the electrodes themselves for further processing. Some other unique features of Novocycle technology include the ability to recycle over 96% of a battery to unmatched levels of purity.

Battery Recycling Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the battery recycling market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global battery recycling market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the battery recycling industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.