The electric vehicle (EV) revolution in the United States is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, transforming the automotive industry and steadily changing how Americans commute. Central to this shift is the rapid adoption of lithium-ion batteries that power these vehicles. However, with millions of EV batteries expected to retire in the coming years, the challenge of recycling and recovering valuable materials sustainably becomes increasingly critical.
Battery recycling in the USA is not just an environmental necessity—it is an economic opportunity that reduces dependency on virgin materials, lowers carbon footprints, and supports a circular economy essential to maintaining the momentum of the EV market. This article explores the top battery recycling companies in the USA that are pioneering innovations and scaling sustainable solutions to propel the EV revolution forward.
The Critical Role of Battery Recycling in the EV Ecosystem
Lithium-ion batteries, while excellent for energy storage, contain critical metals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese that are costly and environmentally intensive to mine. Battery recycling allows recovery of these metals, reduces hazardous waste, and prepares materials for re-use in new batteries, closing the supply chain loop.
The U.S. government and private sector stakeholders have recognised the urgency of developing robust battery recycling infrastructure to meet the surging demand from EV manufacturers and ensure sustainability. Battery recycling plants also help address environmental concerns related to battery disposal, which if un-managed, pose pollution risks.
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Leading Battery Recycling Companies in the USA
1. Redwood Materials
Founded by Tesla’s ex-CTO JB Straubel and headquartered in Nevada, Redwood Materials is arguably the most high-profile battery recycling company in the U.S. The company has developed a vertically integrated, closed-loop recycling process that recovers over 95% of critical battery materials to supply automakers and battery manufacturers with recycled lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper.
Redwood’s state-of-the-art recycling facility in McCarron, Nevada, processes EV battery scrap and end-of-life batteries. Its partnership with Panasonic and automakers like Ford and Toyota exemplifies its central role in creating a circular battery supply chain. Redwood aims to supply materials sufficient to power millions of EVs annually by 2030.
2. Li-Cycle Corporation
Operating facilities across North America, Li-Cycle utilizes an innovative “Spoke & Hub” hydrometallurgical recycling process to recover up to 95% of battery-grade materials with significantly lower carbon emissions compared to traditional methods.
Headquartered in Arizona, Li-Cycle’s modular facilities handle lithium-ion batteries from EVs and consumer electronics, focusing on safety and efficiency. The company is rapidly expanding its capacity targeting tens of thousands of metric tons annually and has formed strategic partnerships with mining companies like Glencore to enhance supply chain integration.
3. Ascend Elements
Ascend Elements is developing advanced direct recycling technology known as Hydro-to-Cathode, which transforms waste EV batteries directly back into usable cathode materials with minimal environmental impact.
With a large recycling plant under construction in Kentucky and partners like SK Innovation and Honda, Ascend Elements is set to reclaim battery materials from tens of thousands of EV packs yearly. Their approach improves material yields, reduces waste, and lowers energy consumption, positioning them as a leader in sustainable battery recycling innovation.
4. Cirba Solutions
A pioneer in battery recycling, Cirba Solutions has decades of experience processing lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries through hydrometallurgical methods. With facilities in Ohio and British Columbia and expansion plans into South Carolina and Arizona, Cirba stands out for its black mass production, a crucial intermediate material for battery manufacturing.
Supported by government funding and private investments, Cirba emphasises safety and regulatory compliance while scaling its operations to meet growing e-mobility demands in North America.
5. American Battery Technology Company (ABTC)
ABTC focuses on innovative, combined hydro-metallurgical and thermal processes to recover metals from lithium-ion batteries and mine waste efficiently. Headquartered in Nevada, the company integrates recycling with raw material extraction to create sustainable battery materials supply chains.
Their patented technologies reduce waste and energy use, demonstrating significant promise for both battery recycling and domestic critical minerals production within the USA.
6. Aqua Metals
Based in California, Aqua Metals pioneers “AquaRefining,” an electrochemical, water-based recycling technology for lead-acid batteries that drastically reduces pollution compared to traditional smelting.
Aqua Metals is expanding its footprint to serve the electric battery market with cleaner recycling solutions, helping decarbonize one of the most polluting segments of battery recycling while ensuring high recovery rates.
7. Gopher Resource
Minnesota-based Gopher Resource specializes in sustainable recycling of lead-acid batteries, prioritizing environmental compliance and resource recovery. The company operates several facilities across the U.S. that contribute to responsible battery waste management.
Their efforts help facilitate the reuse of critical materials like lead and sulfuric acid, supporting more eco-friendly battery manufacturing.
8. Exide Technologies
As one of the oldest battery manufacturers, Exide Technologies has expanded its footprint into battery recycling, leveraging its extensive knowledge in battery chemistry and manufacturing to establish recycling programs that promote circularity.
With operations concentrated in various U.S. locations, Exide focuses on recovering key metals and safely processing end-of-life batteries to align with evolving sustainability standards.
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The Future of Battery Recycling in the U.S.
The battery recycling industry in the U.S. is poised for explosive growth, supported by federal funding initiatives such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and growing partnerships between recyclers, manufacturers, and automakers. Emerging recycling technologies that reduce carbon footprints and improve material yields are accelerating adoption.
Additionally, as EV sales surge and older batteries retire, recyclers will scale operations, ensuring a steady supply of recycled materials that underpin national goals for EV localization and supply chain resilience.
The circular economy for EV batteries is gaining momentum, with recyclers playing an essential role in reducing environmental pollution, conserving resources, and enabling sustainable electric transportation.
Conclusion
Battery recycling companies in the United States—such as Redwood Materials, Li-Cycle, Ascend Elements, and Cirba Solutions—are driving transformative change by recovering critical materials and establishing circular supply chains that fuel the EV revolution sustainably.
As the electric vehicle market expands rapidly, these leaders are innovating processes, scaling infrastructure, and aligning with government policies to tackle the enormous opportunity and challenge of battery waste. Their efforts not only reduce environmental impact but also create new economic and technological pathways for America’s clean energy future.
By supporting these pioneering recycling companies, the USA strengthens its position at the forefront of sustainable mobility, demonstrating how innovation and environmental stewardship can accelerate the transition to a greener automotive era.