The Circular Battery Economy: Design, Recovery, and Renewal

As the global demand for sustainable energy storage and electric vehicles (EVs) rapidly increases, managing the full battery lifecycle is critically important. The Responsible Battery Coalition (RBC) actively works with industry partners to design, implement, and strengthen a comprehensive, closed-loop circular economy for batteries, regardless of chemistry. By prioritizing battery recycling and resource recovery, the RBC ensures valuable and critical materials are conserved, reducing both environmental impact and the reliance on new raw material sourcing from adversarial sources.

A Closed Loop: The Success of Starter Batteries

The concept of the circular economy is best illustrated by the success of lead-acid starter batteries (like those used in conventional vehicles).

Materials in starter batteries are, in fact, the most recycled consumer product in the world. Today, more than 99% of lead-acid vehicle and equipment batteries are recycled. This high rate means that the components—from lead to plastics—are indefinitely processed and re-introduced into the manufacturing of new batteries, including internal grids, casings, and electrical components.

Did You Know?

Materials in starter batteries are the most recycled consumer product in the world. Compared to 55% aluminum cans, 45% newspaper, 26% tires, and 26% glass bottles, 99% of lead acid batteries are recycled.

26%

45%

55%

99%

Source: Spectrum Research – 2016 Regional Automotive Battery Research; numbers shown are annualized.

Guiding the Future: Ten Green Principles

In partnership with the University of Michigan, the Responsible Battery Coalition developed ten "Green Principles" for managing the full lifecycle of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. These ten principles will help guide environmentally responsible EV battery manufacturing, use, and end-of-life management.

More Info

Choose battery chemistry to minimize life cycle environmental impact

Minimize production burden per energy service

Minimize consumptive use of critical and scarce materials

Maximize battery round-trip efficiency

Maximize battery energy density to reduce vehicle operational energy

Design and operate battery systems to maximize service life and limit degradation

Minimize hazardous material exposure, emissions and ensure safety

Market, deploy, and charge electric vehicles in cleaner grids

Choose powertrain and vehicle types to maximize life cycle environmental benefits

Design for end-of-life and material recovery

Recovery in Action

Despite the 99% recycling success, the remaining 1% that are not recycled represent approximately two million batteries that are abandoned or left in inoperable vehicles annually. The RBC forms partnerships with manufacturers, industry organizations, and community groups to recover these spent batteries and bring their valuable components back into the supply chain.

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) Talks About The History and Vision of Backhaul Alaska at the RBC Board Meeting in 2023

Responsible Battery Coalition’s Work with Backhaul Alaska

For residents of many remote communities in Alaska, options for the safe disposal of hazardous waste often do not exist. RBC has worked with the Backhaul Alaska (BHA) program since 2018, focusing specifically on lead-acid battery retrieval and recycling. This initiative is critical for protecting community land, water, and residents from exposure to potentially harmful toxins.

Our support includes funding education and training, providing free hazardous materials packaging and shipping supplies, and arranging free transport to environmentally-sound recycling facilities. As of 2025, the program has collected over 560,000 pounds of starter batteries and recycled them back into the circular economy.

Providing Real Results

560k+

Pounds of Batteries Collected

Spent lead-acid vehicle and heavy equipment batteries since 2018.

1.5m

Pounds of Materials Collected

Materials include electronic waste, lightbulbs, & batteries.

Remote Communities Supported

26 Communities in Pilot Program
(2018 – 2021).
‍
94 Communities in 2024.
‍
Planned growth is to support 180 communities by 2030.

“By joining forces with Backhaul Alaska, we are able to support retrieving batteries from the farthest reaches of Alaska, to ensure that they are recycled in an environmentally-sound manner, and thereby help protect the people and the environment of Alaska.”

Steve Christensen

Executive Director of the Responsible Battery Coalition

Our Backhaul Alaska Partners

The Responsible Battery Coalition is proud to partner with some of the most impactful and influential organizations in battery innovation, sustainability, economics, and technology, including Clarios, Total Reclaim,Waste Management (WM), and Zender Environmental to support Backhaul Alaska.

Take the 2 Million Battery Challenge!

The latest research shows that 12% of consumers still have a dead or unusable vehicle battery at home and not in the closed recycling loop. The Responsible Battery Coalition has launched the 2 Million Battery Challenge in an effort to bring these forgotten batteries back into the recycling stream.

How You Can Participate:
Recycling your used vehicle battery is quick and easy. Just drop it off at a local retailer—including our member retailers:

- Advance Auto Parts
- AutoZone
- O'Reilley Auto
‍
Many retailers will grant you a store credit for your used battery even if you don't purchase a new one.