Lead batteries: the most recycled consumer product in the US

The Association of Battery Recyclers (ABR) has launched a campaign promoting the established network of lead battery collection sites and lead battery recyclers in the United States which has helped create a 99% recycling rate.

ILA has been working with ABR to develop updated information about recycling in the US. The association represents companies and the thousands of essential employees who safely and responsibly recycle batteries in the closed-loop battery manufacturing and recycling industries. 

ABR President Rick Leiby said: “The U.S. must continue to become more self-sufficient by domestically providing the raw materials needed to maintain advanced lead battery manufacturing in the U.S.”

He added: “Batteries are critical for meeting demand growth in energy storage, for vital industries such as security, data centers, electrified transportation and renewable energy.”

Typically around 130 million lead batteries are recycled in the US annually, and the 99% recycling rate makes them the most recycled consumer product.

The industry’s circular economy – and the fact that lead can be infinitely recycled without loss of performance – minimizes raw inputs and promotes dependable supply chains. Today, 62% of the lead needed for a new lead battery made in the U.S. is supplied by U.S. lead battery recyclers.

“Our country’s well-established lead battery recycling system has become the standard for creating a circular economy for all battery recycling,” Mr Leiby added. “In fact, as demand for battery energy storage continues to rise, the success of lead battery recycling is the benchmark for other technologies.”

ABR has launched a redesigned website which includes fact sheets, infographics, videos and more information about the industry’s positive environmental and economic impact using the highest standards in safe, responsible recycling.

Dr Andy Bush, Managing Director of ILA, said: “We’ve been delighted to partner with ABR on launching this initiative to highlight the importance of lead battery recycling in the United States. Increasing awareness of the lead battery value chain’s importance around the world remains a priority for ILA and we look forward to growing that effort with ABR in the US.”