Promoting a Sustainable Future Through Recycling

Circle graphic with a recycling symbol in the middle to represent sustainable recycling.

The Association of Battery Recyclers (ABR) advances sustainability through innovative and sustainable recycling processes. We’re committed to ensuring that lead batteries, one of the most recycled products on the planet, remain a cornerstone of the circular economy. By bringing together industry leaders and environmental experts, we continuously improve the processes that make lead battery recycling an environmental success story.

The Circular Economy: A Closed-Loop Model for Sustainability

Blue graphic with icons of the circular economy of lead batteries driven by sustainable recycling.

Lead batteries exemplify the principles of a circular economy, a system designed to minimize waste and maximize the reuse of materials. Nearly 100% of a lead battery can be recycled through sustainable recycling practices, with its materials repurposed to create new batteries. This closed-loop process not only conserves valuable resources but also reduces the need for raw material extraction, lowering the environmental footprint of battery production.

Additionally, this sustainable cycle supports the domestic supply chain by ensuring a steady flow of critical materials for manufacturing new batteries, strengthening local economies and promoting energy independence.

The Sustainable Impacts of Our Industry

Lead battery manufacturing employees filling new lead batteries with raw materials from sustainable recycling.
  • 99% of available spent lead batteries are collected and recycled.
  • Lead battery recyclers employ highly efficient recovery processes that ensure nearly all the material in a spent battery is recovered to make raw materials for new batteries.
  • On average, a new lead battery contains 80% recycled material obtained from sustainable recycling practices.
  • Domestic recyclers reduce the need to ship spent batteries to countries with lower environmental and health protection standards, protecting communities at home and abroad.
Blurred highway traffic and a sunrise demonstrating the essential nature of lead batteries to power our lives.
  • Domestic recyclers keep valuable raw materials within the U.S., supporting the supply chain for domestic battery manufacturers.
  • Sustainable recycling of lead batteries reduces greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption compared to mining and processing virgin materials.
  • The industry minimizes environmental impact by preventing hazardous materials from entering landfills.
  • Lead battery recycling contributes to a sustainable energy future by supporting electrification and green energy storage technologies.

Lead Batteries: The Most Recycled Product in the U.S.

Millions of used batteries conclude their lifespan each year, but the lead battery recycling industry ensures that these spent batteries are processed into valuable new raw materials. Thanks to this efficient and sustainable recycling process, lead batteries have achieved an impressive 99% recycling rate in the U.S. This makes them the most sustainable battery chemistry on the planet, showcasing the power of the circular economy.

Lead Batteries: A Model for Recycling and Sustainability

Graphic showing that over 160 million lead batteries are recycled annually in the United States.

Lead batteries set the standard for recyclability, transforming the way we think about waste. With a 99% recycling rate, they play a key role in supporting sustainable recycling and manufacturing practices, reducing the need for new resources. By continuing to recycle and repurpose lead batteries, we not only reduce environmental impact but also create a reliable supply of materials essential for the growing demand in energy storage and clean technologies.

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