Industry Facts
Lead batteries are essential to transportation, energy storage and critical infrastructure across the United States. Their established closed-loop recycling system recovers valuable materials for reuse, supports a reliable domestic supply of critical mineral lead and helps power the products and systems Americans rely on every day.
98% Recycling Rate
Lead batteries have a 98% recycling rate, making them the most recycled consumer product in the U.S.¹
174 Million+ Batteries Recycled
More than 174 million lead batteries are recycled in the U.S. each year, providing a reliable source of critical minerals for the manufacture of new batteries.¹
2.2 Billion+ Pounds of Lead Recovered Annually
U.S. lead battery recycling returns more than 2.2 billion pounds of lead to the domestic battery manufacturing supply chain each year.¹
70% of U.S. Lead Demand
Domestic battery recycling streams supply approximately 70% of annual U.S. lead demand, strengthening the domestic supply of this critical mineral.¹
80% Recycled Material
A typical new lead battery is made with approximately 80% recycled material.²
Infinitely Recyclable Lead
The lead in lead batteries can be recycled again and again with no loss of performance, helping keep this valuable material in productive use.
300,000+ Collection Sites
More than 300,000 spent-battery collection sites across North America help support the closed-loop lead battery recycling system.¹
Powering 290 Million Vehicles
Lead batteries provide reliable power for more than 290 million cars and trucks on U.S. roads, including electric vehicles.5
34 Million Public Transportation Trips
Lead batteries help safely power public transportation systems that provide 34 million trips each weekday in the U.S.⁴
Supporting Critical Infrastructure
Lead batteries provide essential power for applications ranging from hospitals and 911 call centers to telecommunications, military operations and data centers.¹
1 Battery Council International, U.S. Recycling Rate Study, 2026.
2 "Environmental Impact and Life Cycle Assessment of Lead Battery and Architectural Sheet Production,” The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2016
3 EBP US and Battery Council International, Economic Contribution of the U.S. Lead Battery Industry, 2025.
4 EBP US and Battery Council International, Economic Contribution of the U.S. Lead Battery Industry, 2025.
5 Battery Council International
Recycled lead-based batteries impact aspects of our daily lives.