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Find Verified Battery Scraps Buyers, Importers and Buy Leads

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Jun-19-25
Buyer From United Kingdom
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Payment Terms: LC/TT
Destination: United Kingdom
Looking for suppliers from: Europe
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May-16-22
Buyer From Romford Essex, United Kingdom
May-24-21
Buyer From AMMANFORD, Carmarthenshire, United Kingdom
Mar-06-23
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Mar-22-22
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Jan-03-23
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Oct-21-24
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Nov-14-21
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Sep-21-20
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Nov-20-19
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Jun-18-19
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Jul-10-18
Buyer From Birmingham, United Kingdom
Jun-10-10
Buyer From Romford, Essex, United Kingdom
Apr-29-14
Buyer From Warwickshire, Stratford Upon Avon, United Kingdom
Oct-20-23
Buyer From United Kingdom, London, United Kingdom
May-13-19
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Mar-15-24
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Discuss sourcing & trends in Battery Scraps import export community

The Growing Global Trade of Battery Scrap: A Silent Force in the Green Economy

We all know that battery scrap is the discarded or end-of-life batteries from various sources (such as electronics, vehicles, and industrial equipment). As the world shifts towards electronic devices and electric vehicles, the demand for batteries has increased and this has led to the rise in the amount of battery waste generated. These used batteries contain hazardous materials (including heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury), and they can cause potential harm to the environment and human health. Thus, it is very important to recycle battery scrap to minimize the environmental impact, as well as, reclaim valuable materials. And this is where the global trade in battery scrap comes into the picture, supporting a circular and green economy in silence. 

Thus, what was once seen as hazardous e-waste is now a prized commodity in international trade. Battery scrap, especially from lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, is a key source of crucial raw materials like lithium, cobalt, and lead. Did you know that lead-acid battery recycling was formalized in the early 1900s? Today, it has become one of the most recycled consumer products globally. As governments make stricter environment-related regulations and industries seek alternatives to mining, battery scrap exporters now hold a strategic position in the global supply chain.  Whether you're trading 75Ah battery scrap, used lithium-ion mobile batteries, or industrial inverter battery scrap, there's growing demand from waste battery scrap buyers and battery scrap importers in Europe, Asia, and the Americas (especially where advanced recycling infrastructure exists).



Why Is There Global Demand for Battery Scrap in International Trade?

There is a mix of economic, technological, and environmental reasons behind the growing demand for battery scrap in international trade. Here are the major ones:

Probably you already know, but battery scrap is a secondary source of high-value metals like lead (from lead-acid batteries), lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese (from lithium-ion batteries), and cadmium and nickel (from nickel-cadmium batteries). Thus, battery manufacturers are scrambling to secure stable supplies of these valuable materials, especially with the booming EV production, grid-scale energy storage, and portable electronics usage. 

Battery recycling helps countries meet environmental goals by reducing landfill waste, heavy metal pollution, and carbon emissions (from mining & refining). And how can we forget, it promotes circular economy practices in the e-waste and automotive sectors. That's the reason why governments all over the globe are incentivizing domestic industries to use recycled materials, increasing the need for reliable sources of scrap batteries.

Mining new lithium, cobalt, or lead is expensive, energy-intensive, and politically sensitive. Many mines are located in geopolitically unstable regions (e.g., Congo for cobalt, Afghanistan for lithium), creating supply chain risks. While industrialized nations now view battery scrap imports as a strategic resource.

Last but not least, many developing nations lack sufficient battery recycling infrastructure. Exporting battery scrap to countries with better processing capacity (e.g., China, South Korea, Germany) ensures materials are safely handled while enabling exporters to earn higher prices for sorted and high-quality scrap.



Types of Battery Scrap for Export-Import: Categories & Common Sources

 Understanding the different types of battery scrap is essential for effective trade and compliance. Here are the major types of battery scrap traded worldwide.

Battery TypeCommon SourcesKey MaterialsRecycling Challenges/Concerns
Lead-Acid BatteriesCars, trucks, UPS systems, industrial backupLead, sulfuric acid, plasticToxic lead handling, acid neutralization
Lithium-Ion (Li-ion)Smartphones, laptops, EVs, power toolsLithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, graphiteRisk of fire/explosion, complex chemistry, valuable metal recovery
Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd)Power tools, emergency lighting, medical devicesNickel, cadmiumHighly toxic cadmium, strict disposal regulations
Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH)Hybrid vehicles, consumer electronicsNickel, rare earth elementsLower toxicity than Ni-Cd, but still metal-intensive
Alkaline BatteriesHousehold devices (remotes, toys, flashlights)Zinc, manganese dioxideLow recycling value, often disposed in municipal waste
Zinc-Carbon BatteriesFlashlights, clocks, basic electronicsZinc, carbon, manganese dioxideLow value, limited recycling incentives
Zinc-Air BatteriesHearing aids, medical devicesZinc, oxygen (air electrode)Limited large-scale recycling infrastructure
Silver-Oxide BatteriesWatches, hearing aids, camerasSilver, zincValuable silver content, small size complicates collection
Mercury-Oxide Batteries (phased out)Older electronics, medical devicesMercury, zincBanned/restricted in many countries due to extreme toxicity


The classification of battery scrap often depends on chemistry and usage. Among all, scrap lithium ion batteries are the most valuable and hazardous because of their energy density and metal content. However, lead-acid batteries are the most recycled battery type due to well-established infrastructure and high lead recovery rates. 

In order to make their business more profitable and attract a larger buyer base, suppliers dealing in battery scrap often diversify into related categories and recycling segments, such as:



Battery Market Global Outlook: Key Export-Import Insights

From global battery recycling market size to top importers and price range, here are the key insights that every exporter should know to make smart decisions, recognize opportunities, and grow their business. 

Battery Recycling Global Market Size:

Metric

Value

Market Size (2024)

USD 16.8 Billion 

Expected Market Size (2033) 

USD 32.7 Billion

CAGR (2025-2033) 

6.88%

Source: IMARC


Top Battery Scrap Importers Worldwide:

Country NameTotal Shipments
India1,531
Pakistan787
Vietnam548

Source: Volza


Battery Scrap Price Range:

Scrap battery prices usually vary based on battery type, condition, metal content, and global commodity pricing. Here's a rough snapshot of old battery scrap price per kg (per lb).

Battery Scrap TypeAverage Price per kg (per lb)
Lithium-Ion Batteries$3.31 – $5.51 ( $1.50-$2.50/lb)
Cell Site Lead Batteries$0.35 – $0.53 ( $0.16-$0.24/lb)
Car Batteries$0.49 – $0.57 ( $0.22-$0.26/lb)
Lead Backup Batteries$0.35 – $0.55 ($0.16 – $0.25)
Forklift Batteries$0.35 – $0.49 ($0.16 – $0.22)

Source: Scrap Metal Buyers



Regulations & Compliance for Battery Scrap International Trade

Trading battery scrap, especially internationally, is heavily regulated due to its classification as hazardous waste. Exporters must understand and comply with export laws and environmental policies. Here are the key regulatory frameworks and documentation requirements.


1. Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes

Under the Basel Convention, battery scrap is considered hazardous waste. Thus, exporters must obtain Prior Informed Consent (PIC) from the importing country. Many nations ban hazardous waste imports from non-OECD countries or require special permits.


2. WEEE & Battery Directives (European Union)

The EU Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive and EU Battery Directive require full documentation of:

  • Source of battery scrap
  • Handling and storage
  • Safe transport with proper labeling
  • Recycling process destination


3. Hazardous Waste Management Rules (India)

India allows the import and export of battery scrap only through registered recyclers under its Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016. Exporters must work with Pollution Control Board-authorized buyers. Moreover, exports must include:

  • Leak-proof, hazard-labeled containers
  • Form 6 (Transboundary Movement)
  • Waste category (e.g., Schedule VI)
  • Consignee certificate from the recycler


4. U.S. EPA Regulations

In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees all trade involving Universal Waste (which includes used batteries). Exporters must:

  • Submit a Notification of Intent to Export
  • Follow proper UN codes (e.g., UN3496 for lithium, UN2794 for lead-acid)
  • Ensure compliant packaging, labeling, and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)


5. China’s Restrictions on Waste Imports

Since 2018, China has banned most waste imports. Battery scrap is only allowed under specific licenses and must meet purity and sorting standards.



How to Find Verified Battery Scrap Buyers Near Me or Globally?

Whether you are looking for scrap car battery buyers, inverter battery scrap buyers, or used mobile battery scrap buyers, here are the most effective methods to follow:


  • Many recycling plants buy battery scrap directly from suppliers. You can look for certified recyclers in your region or globally, and reach out to them via their official websites.

  • Trade shows like IFAT, Battery Show, or WasteExpo bring together global buyers and sellers. These provide face-to-face networking and often feature pre-vetted participants.

  • You can find battery scraps importers and recycling business professionals on social media channels like LinkedIn, Facebook groups, and WhatsApp communities. 

  • You can reach out to export promotion councils or chambers of commerce in your area. They often have databases of verified scrap battery buyers and importers in the recycling sector. 



Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs):

1. What is the price of battery scrap per kg?

Battery scrap prices vary by type and market conditions. Here are the average waste battery scrap prices per kg:

Lead-acid batteries: $0.35 – $0.75/kg

Lithium-ion batteries: $3.30 – $5.50/kg

Mobile phone batteries: ~$6.00/kg


2. Can I sell batteries for scrap?

Yes, most battery types can be sold as scrap to authorized recyclers or scrap dealers. However, it is highly regulated due to the hazardous nature of batteries. 


3. What is "black mass" and its role in battery recycling?

Black mass is the powdered residue extracted from shredded lithium-ion batteries. It contains valuable metals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese. It plays a central role in battery recycling by being processed to recover these critical raw materials for new batteries.


4. What are the regulations surrounding battery scrap export?

Battery scrap (especially lead-acid) is classified as hazardous waste. Here are the regulations that battery scrap exporters need to follow:

  • Requires Prior Informed Consent (PIC) under the Basel Convention.
  • Export from India needs approval from MoEFCC (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change).
  • Exporters must submit Form 5, get an NOC, and use registered recyclers.
  • Non-compliance can lead to penalties and forced re-import.


5. What is the battery scrap HSN code?

8548 is the battery scrap HSN code.


6. How to find buyers for battery scraps?

You can find verified battery scraps buyers through:

  • Online B2B platforms (like go4WorldBusiness)
  • Trade shows and recycling expos
  • Social media networks, including Linkedin and Facebook groups
  • Export Promotion Councils and government trade directories



Latest News Related to Battery Scrap Global Trade:

A report by ICEA and Accenture forecasts India’s li-ion battery recycling market could scale to USD?3.5?billion by 2030. (Full Story: ET Auto)