The U.S. lead battery industry exemplifies a strong circular economy, recycling about 99% of batteries and using predominantly recycled materials in new products. At Stryten, batteries are made with 90% recycled content, and each new unit is offset by an equivalent recycled battery. Consumers are key to this loop by returning spent batteries through retailers or hazardous waste programs and following safe handling practices. This practice minimizes waste, protects the environment, and secures material supplies to keep people and supply chains moving.
The circular economy of the U.S. lead battery industry is a model for other industries working towards the sustainability of their manufacturing, distribution and recycling processes. The EPA estimates that 99 percent of lead batteries in the U.S. are recycled. With this ample supply of recycled raw materials, a new lead battery produced in the U.S. is typically comprised of more than 80 percent recycled material. At Stryten, each lead battery produced in our U.S. manufacturing plants is made with 90 percent recycled material. And for every battery produced, Stryten recycles the equivalent of that battery through our North American-based recycling partners.
To understand how this process works, let’s start with the important role of each consumer. When you have the battery in your car, boat, tractor or golf cart replaced by a professional, they will ensure the spent lead batteries are properly recycled. But if you decide to replace the battery yourself, there are some important things to remember.
Once a spent lead battery is collected, specialized recycling facilities separate the components for processing. Almost 100 percent of the lead is recyclable, and lead can be continuously reused without losing any future performance capacity. The polypropylene plastic and other casing materials are crushed into small pieces, melted for recycling and molded to make new battery casings. Used battery electrolyte is processed into sodium sulfate, which is used in laundry detergent, glass and textile manufacturing.
When you recycle your used lead battery through a reliable source, you are contributing to the overall sustainability of the lead battery industry. This circular economy minimizes waste, helps protect our environment and ensures abundant supplies of lead and plastic to produce new batteries to keep our supply chains and people on the move.
Why is the U.S. lead battery industry considered a model for the circular economy?
Because it achieves exceptionally high material recovery and reuse. The EPA estimates about 99% of lead batteries in the U.S. are recycled, and new lead batteries are typically made with more than 80% recycled material. This closed loop minimizes waste, protects the environment, and ensures a steady supply of materials to keep people and supply chains moving.
What happens to a lead battery at a recycling facility?
Specialized facilities separate and recover nearly all components. Almost 100% of the lead is recyclable and can be continuously reused without losing performance. The polypropylene plastic is crushed, melted, and molded into new battery casings, and the used electrolyte is processed into sodium sulfate for products like laundry detergent, glass, and textiles.
Why does recycling lead batteries matter for consumers and the environment?
Proper recycling keeps hazardous materials out of landfills, reduces waste, and supports a reliable supply of lead and plastic for new batteries. By returning spent batteries through trusted programs, consumers help sustain a proven circular economy that protects the environment and keeps essential transportation and supply chains running.
Stryten Energy
Content developed by subject matter experts at Stryten Energy.