How much is a battery scrap value？

Release Time：2026-09-18 10:26:57 Source：Lithium Battery Recycling Machine Share：

Used lithium-ion batteries are classified as hazardous industrial waste. They contain valuable elements such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, and aluminum. When processed through a lithium-ion battery recycling machine, used lithium-ion batteries are crushed and sorted into finished materials such as black mass, copper, aluminum, and steel casings. The black mass is then subjected to hydrometallurgical extraction to recover rare metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. These rare metals can be sold at a high value.


 

Used lithium-ion batteries are typically either ternary lithium-ion batteries (NMC) or lithium iron phosphate batteries (LFP). The recycling value of these two types of used lithium-ion batteries differs significantly.

Ternary Lithium-Ion Batteries (NMC)

The current comprehensive material value is approximately $4,800 per metric ton. The interior of these batteries contains high concentrations of strategic metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. The cobalt content in used ternary “Black Mass” can reach 2–3%. The nickel content is approximately 12–20%. This is significantly higher than that found in ordinary nickel-cobalt ores (nickel ore grades range from only 1% to 3%, while cobalt ore grades are less than 0.5%). Lithium battery recycling machines utilize processes such as discharge, crushing, sorting, and hydrometallurgy. The lithium recovery rate is ≥95%. The combined nickel-cobalt recovery rate reaches ≥99%. Black Mass undergoes further pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processing to produce nickel sulfate, cobalt sulfate, battery-grade lithium carbonate, and other products. These materials can be reused in the production of lithium-ion batteries and anode and cathode materials.


 

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) Batteries

The resource recovery value per metric ton is approximately $3,000. This value is slightly lower than that of NMC recycling. The value of LFP is primarily concentrated in lithium, as well as copper and aluminum current collectors. It is subject to fluctuations in the lithium market. Currently, lithium carbonate prices are slightly below the typical range, and profit margins for compliant companies have been further compressed. At present, only large-scale, continuous production is feasible. Improving the purity of battery recycling and sorting, as well as the efficiency of impurity removal, is essential to achieving a stable break-even point. LFP recycling products primarily include battery-grade lithium carbonate, copper, aluminum, graphite, and others.

 

The recycling of used lithium-ion batteries has more than just economic value. Rare metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel are key strategic minerals for the new energy sector. Through the rapid development of the lithium-ion battery recycling industry, it is possible to reduce dependence on primary mines and lower the carbon footprint of the new energy supply chain.

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