What Is Lead Battery Scrap?

Lead-acid battery scrap represents the most valuable and widely recycled form of lead material in North America. These batteries power everything from automobiles to industrial backup systems, and when they reach end-of-life after 3-5 years of service, they become essential feedstock for the circular lead economy.

Lead-acid batteries account for approximately 85-90% of all lead scrap available for recycling, making them the cornerstone of secondary lead production. With over 99% recycling efficiency, lead-acid batteries represent one of the most successful recycling programs in the materials industry.

Composition and Characteristics

Lead-acid batteries contain several valuable components that make them highly sought after by recyclers:

Lead Content: 60-65% of total battery weight consists of recoverable lead, including:

• Lead oxide paste (active material)
• Lead grids and connectors
• Lead terminals and posts

Additional Recoverable Materials:

• Polypropylene plastic cases (15-20%)
• Sulfuric acid electrolyte (15-20%)
• Separators and other materials (5%)

The high lead content and established recycling infrastructure ensure consistent demand and stable pricing for battery scrap across all market conditions.

ISRI Specifications and Codes

The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) classifies lead battery scrap into three primary categories:

RAILS - Lead Battery Plates

• Consists of loose lead plates removed from battery cases
• Must be free of plastic, rubber, and non-metallic materials
• Separators may be included if properly sorted
• Material must be completely dry before shipment
• Available as automotive, industrial, or mixed grades

RAINS - Scrap Drained/Dry Whole Intact Lead Batteries

• Complete batteries with all acid electrolyte removed
• Cases must be plastic or rubber and remain intact with caps
• Zero liquid content required for safety and shipping compliance
• Excludes non-lead batteries (NiCd, NiFe, etc.)
• Industrial and specialty batteries subject to separate agreements

RINK - Scrap Wet Whole Intact Lead Batteries

• Starting, Lighting, Ignition (SLI) automotive batteries
• Marine, truck, golf cart, and commercial battery types
• Minimum 10% liquid electrolyte content by weight
• Complete cases with all caps and terminals intact
• Restricted shipping requirements due to hazardous classification

Visit ScrapMonster's Lead Scrap Specifications for complete ISRI code definitions and trading standards.

How to Identify Lead Battery Scrap

Visual Identification Guide

Automotive Batteries: Rectangular plastic cases with two prominent terminals, typically black or colored plastic housing. Look for "Pb" symbols or voltage ratings (6V, 12V, 24V) on labels.

Marine/Deep Cycle: Larger, more robust construction with thicker terminals and often dual-purpose labeling for both starting and deep-cycle applications.

Industrial/UPS: Sealed batteries with smaller form factors, often found in backup power systems, emergency lighting, and telecommunications equipment.

Forklift/Traction: Large, heavy batteries with steel cases, multiple cells, and watering caps for maintenance access.

Magnet Test Results

Lead battery scrap exhibits distinct magnetic properties:

• Lead plates and terminals: Non-magnetic
• Steel battery cases: Magnetic (forklift/industrial types)
• Plastic cases: Non-magnetic
• Steel brackets/hold-downs: Magnetic (separate these for optimal pricing)

Use the magnet test to separate steel components and identify battery types. Clean separation of magnetic materials increases overall value.

Current Market Pricing

Lead Battery Scrap Price

Current lead battery scrap pricing varies significantly across North America based on local processing capacity and transportation costs:

United States (October 2025):

• East Coast: $0.16-$0.22/lb for whole batteries
• Midwest: $0.14-$0.20/lb reflecting transportation economics
• West Coast: $0.15-$0.21/lb with Pacific export opportunities
• Southeast: $0.12-$0.18/lb in rural areas with limited competition

Canada: C$0.21–$0.28/kg (USD equivalent: $0.07–$0.09/lb)

Source : ScrapMonster

Check real-time pricing through ScrapMonster's Live Battery Pricing Widget for your specific region.

Visit our Lead Scrap Prices section to know about detailed lead scrap export prices.

Factors Affecting Pricing

London Metal Exchange (LME) Lead Price: The primary benchmark driving all lead scrap pricing, currently near $2,000/metric ton, directly influences battery scrap values within 24-48 hours of LME movements.

Processing Capacity: Regions with secondary lead smelters typically offer premium pricing due to reduced transportation costs and competitive procurement.

Battery Preparation:

• Whole intact batteries: Base pricing
• Drained batteries (RAINS): 5-10% premium due to shipping advantages
• Separated plates (RAILS): 10-15% premium for reduced processing costs

Quantity and Consistency: Large, consistent suppliers often negotiate premium pricing through long-term agreements with processors.

Environmental Compliance: Properly documented and compliant shipments avoid penalties and delays that can affect final pricing.

Track pricing factors through ScrapMonster's Lead Market News for informed selling decisions.

For the latest price of Lead Battery Scrap in various scrap yards, please visit our Scrap Yard Prices section.

Where can we sell Lead Battery Scrap?

The used Lead Acid Batteries are often collected by authorized collection centers that in turn transport them to recognized recycling yards. The recycling process has undergone dramatic changes over the past two decades. Initially, various mechanical processes were used to break used batteries. However, recycling processes currently employ innovative techniques to recycle hazardous lead acid batteries.

The following are some of the scrap yards in the US that accept Lead Battery Scrap.

1. Harris Metals, Inc., Mattoon, Illinois.
2. Metal Conversion Technologies, Cartersville, Georgia
3. Kimes Steel, Hartford, West Virginia
4. Accurate Recycling Inc., Farmingdale, New Jersey

You may use our ‘Scrap Yard Finder’ to search and find more scrap yards close to your location.

On our US Scrap Yard Directory, we provide a list of scrap yards in the US.

Similarly, the list of scrap yards in Canada is easily available in Scrap Yards in Canada.

Where to Find Lead Battery Scrap

Automotive Sources:

• Auto repair shops and service stations
• Vehicle dismantling operations
• Fleet maintenance facilities
• Battery replacement programs

Industrial Sources:

• UPS and backup power system maintenance
• Telecommunications equipment upgrades
• Data center battery replacements
• Emergency lighting system servicing

Marine and Recreational:

• Boat servicing and marina operations
• Golf course maintenance facilities
• RV and recreational vehicle service
• Off-grid solar system maintenance

Collection Programs:

• Retailer take-back programs (legally mandated in most states)
• Municipal household hazardous waste events
• Commercial battery collection services
• Authorized collection centers

Use ScrapMonster's Scrap Yard Directory to locate authorized battery collectors in your area.

Preparation for Maximum Value

Safety First: Always wear protective equipment including gloves, eye protection, and acid-resistant clothing when handling batteries.

Proper Drainage: For RAINS classification, completely drain acid electrolyte in accordance with local environmental regulations. Store drained acid separately for proper disposal.

Case Integrity: Maintain complete battery cases with caps and terminals intact. Cracked or damaged cases reduce value and create shipping complications.

Segregation: Separate by battery type and size:

• Automotive SLI batteries
• Deep-cycle marine batteries
• Industrial/forklift batteries
• Small sealed batteries (UPS/emergency lighting)

Documentation: Maintain records of battery sources, quantities, and ISRI classifications for regulatory compliance and optimal pricing negotiations.

Storage: Keep batteries upright, in covered areas, on pallets or acid-resistant surfaces. Follow local fire codes and environmental regulations.

Safety and Handling Guidelines

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Chemical-resistant gloves and aprons
• Safety glasses or face shields
• Acid-resistant footwear
• Respiratory protection in enclosed areas

Handling Procedures:

• Never lift batteries by terminals or cables
• Use proper lifting techniques for heavy industrial batteries
• Avoid dropping or impacting battery cases
• Keep spark sources away from battery areas

Storage Requirements:

• Covered, well-ventilated storage areas
• Acid-resistant flooring or containment systems
• Fire suppression systems appropriate for lead-acid batteries
• Temperature control to prevent freezing or overheating

Transportation Compliance:

• DOT hazardous materials regulations (UN2794 for wet batteries)
• Proper placarding and shipping papers
• Approved packaging and securing methods
• Driver training for hazardous materials transport

Review complete safety protocols in ScrapMonster's Battery Safety Guide and subscribe to our YouTube channel for safety training videos.

Having bulk quantity of Lead Battery Scrap with you?

Scrap yards are required to meet specific guidelines in order to become eligible to collect and recycle Lead Battery scrap. Authorized scrap yards must ensure that environmentally sound processing technologies are used to process these scrap, as careless handling of such scraps may lead to pollution of nearby environment.

he Scrap Monster Scrap Marketplace is an advanced trading platform where materials are traded daily by many of our members.

Post and/or search the latest “Sell Offers” for Lead scrap.
 
Post and/or Search the latest “Buy Offers” for Lead scrap.

Only registered members have access to posting new buy and sell listings.  You can LOG IN or REGISTER

Find Local Buyers

Authorized Recyclers: Licensed facilities with environmental permits for lead-acid battery processing. Search ScrapMonster's verified recycler network for pre-screened buyers in your region.

Secondary Lead Smelters: Primary processing facilities offering direct purchase programs for large-volume suppliers. These facilities typically provide the highest pricing for properly prepared materials.

Scrap Yards with Battery Programs: Full-service scrap metal dealers with dedicated battery collection and processing capabilities. Compare pricing and services using ScrapMonster's Yard Comparison Tool.

Collection Networks: Regional collection programs serving automotive, industrial, and marine sectors with established transportation and processing infrastructure.

Retail Take-Back Programs: Many battery retailers are legally required to accept used batteries with new purchases, though pricing may be less competitive than dedicated recyclers.

Access our complete buyer directory and get instant quotes through ScrapMonster's Marketplace for competitive bidding on your battery scrap materials.

Market Outlook and Trends

Demand Drivers: Electric vehicle growth is increasing demand for lithium batteries, but lead-acid batteries remain essential for automotive SLI applications, industrial backup power, and energy storage systems. This sustained demand supports stable pricing.

Regulatory Environment: Stricter environmental regulations in 2025 favor established recyclers with proper permits and processing capabilities, potentially reducing competition and supporting pricing stability.

Technology Advances: Improved battery technology is extending service life, potentially reducing scrap generation volume but increasing per-unit value due to higher lead content in newer designs.

Supply Chain Integration: Vertical integration between battery manufacturers and recyclers creates more stable, long-term pricing relationships for consistent suppliers.

Global Market Factors: International lead prices, trade policies, and currency fluctuations continue to influence North American scrap pricing, with Asian demand particularly important for export markets.

Sustainability Focus: Corporate sustainability initiatives and ESG investing priorities increase demand for recycled lead content, supporting premium pricing for certified recycled materials.

Stay informed about market developments through ScrapMonster's Lead Market Analysis and industry trend reports.

For the most current pricing, market analysis, and buyer connections, visit ScrapMonster.com - North America's largest scrap metal trading platform with 111,370+ members and comprehensive market intelligence tools.