What Is The Scrap Value Of a Battery?

We find ourselves in an era where resource recycling and reuse are increasingly prioritised. Waste materials once deemed mere “rubbish” are now quietly becoming the key to prosperity for certain enterprises. Among these, discarded lithium batteries stand out most prominently. Currently, the market recycling price for lithium batteries continues to climb, far exceeding traditional scrap recycling rates. The recycling value of spent lithium batteries exceeds 17 billion yuan, representing an 18% year-on-year increase. Fluctuations in the prices of metals such as nickel, cobalt, and lithium within these batteries directly impact market profitability. As the number of registered spent lithium battery recycling enterprises grows annually, tens of thousands of international power battery recycling companies have now been established.

The volume of scrapped new energy vehicles is projected to exceed one million tonnes. The overall recovery rate for waste lithium batteries stands at 90%. Among these, LFP battery recovery accounts for nearly 500,000 tonnes, representing over 50% of total waste lithium battery recovery. Ternary battery recovery constitutes approximately 25%. LCO batteries, commonly used in electronic and digital products, hold the highest recycling value among waste lithium batteries. To recover high-value metallic materials, novel lithium battery recycling machine is required. The value of lithium battery recycling varies significantly, influenced by factors such as battery type, metal market prices, and recycling technology.

lithium battery recycling machine

Market Prices for Waste Lithium Batteries
NMC lithium battery recycling prices range from approximately $3,000 to $5,000 per tonne. LFP lithium batteries command lower prices, approximately $1,000 to $2,000 per tonne. LCO lithium batteries possess the highest recycling value. They contain substantial quantities of high-value metals such as cobalt and lithium, resulting in a comparatively higher market price of approximately $6,000–8,000 per tonne. Calculated by weight, the overall recycling unit price is roughly $3–5 per kilogram. However, high-quality or specific types of lithium batteries may command over $7 per kilogram.

Market Prices for Waste Lithium Batteries

Recovery Value Sources
Lithium batteries contain rare metals such as nickel, cobalt, and lithium. Fluctuations in the market prices of these metals directly impact the economics of recycling. For instance: 1 tonne of NMC lithium batteries can yield approximately 25 kilograms of lithium, 30 kilograms of cobalt, and 80 kilograms of nickel. The combined value exceeds: over $6,000. LFP lithium batteries contain lower metal concentrations but are retired in significant quantities. The overall market scale is substantial.

Recovery Value Sources

Economic Benefits
Recycling profits are directly constrained by lithium battery recovery costs. NMC batteries possess high precious metal content, yielding gross profit margins exceeding 30%. LCO batteries contain even higher precious metal concentrations, resulting in greater profitability. Conversely, LFP battery recycling yields relatively modest profits. The total recycling value of waste lithium batteries is projected to reach approximately ¥17 billion by 2025.

Recycling Technology
Recycling techniques and equipment directly influence the post-recovery value of metallic materials. Consequently, lithium recovery technology is intrinsically linked to recycling profitability. Typically, lithium battery recycling machinery achieves recovery rates exceeding 98%. Selecting high-efficiency recycling equipment is therefore paramount.

Lithium-ion Battery Recycling Technology

In summary, the recycling value of lithium batteries is determined by multiple factors including battery type, market supply and demand, and policy support. In numerous countries and regions, governments provide policy subsidies and additional recovery grants for corporate recycling initiatives. The surge in spent lithium battery recycling not only creates new revenue streams for enterprises but also serves as a vital solution to alleviate resource crises and reduce environmental pollution. As the global drive towards carbon neutrality accelerates, the value of this industry will continue to unfold. Should you wish to learn more about lithium battery recycling machinery, please do not hesitate to contact us.