Best EV Battery Recycling Companies 2026: Li-Cycle, Redwood, Umicore
Last updated: 15 May 2026
EV batteries become a regulated waste stream the moment they leave a car. Five companies dominate global EV battery recycling in 2026. Here's how they compare on capacity, recovery rates, geography and downstream second-life partnerships.
Reviewed by the eCycling Central editorial team — last updated May 2026
Top Services Compared
| Service | Best for | Cost / payout | |---|---|---| | Li-Cycle (US/Canada/Europe) | Spoke-and-Hub black mass model | 95%+ recovery | | Redwood Materials (US) | Closed-loop with Toyota, Ford, Panasonic | 95%+ recovery | | Umicore (Belgium/global) | Pyrometallurgical, longest-running | 90%+ recovery | | Ecobat (US/Europe) | Lead-acid leader, expanding to Li-ion | 85%+ recovery | | B2U Storage Solutions (US) | Second-life storage rather than recycling | 100% reuse | | Connected Energy (UK) | Second-life stationary storage | 100% reuse | | Powervault (UK) | Second-life domestic storage | 100% reuse |
How to Choose
Pick by what you're disposing of and where you live:
- Bulk/commercial — start with the certified ITAD providers
- Apple-only household — Apple Trade In + Apple GiveBack
- Mixed brands, instant payout — Best Buy in-store
- Highest cash — third-party trade-in services (see Decluttr vs Gazelle vs BackMarket)
- Free recycling, no trade-in — manufacturer mail-back or Best Buy free recycling