A new survey commissioned by Cirba Solutions suggests that US battery recycling is being held back by a lack of consumer awareness rather than a lack of willingness to participate.
While lithium-powered devices are now part of everyday life for almost all Americans, many people remain unsure how or where to recycle the batteries they use.
The research found that 91% of Americans would recycle lithium batteries if the process were as simple as disposing of everyday household waste.
However, compared with findings published in 2024, significantly more respondents now say they do not know where or how to recycle used batteries, highlighting a growing knowledge gap.
The findings point to education and convenient collection infrastructure as critical factors in improving US battery recycling rates.
They also suggest that increasing public understanding could help recover valuable raw materials, strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on imported critical minerals.
Karen Gay, Community Engagement Manager at Cirba Solutions, explained: “Battery use and demand continue to surge, but the knowledge gap around recycling still exists.
“Americans want to do the right thing with their batteries. Our job is to make recycling more accessible, raise awareness and give people what they need to take action.”
Awareness remains the biggest barrier
Cirba Solutions surveyed 1,054 US adults aged between 18 and 65 during May 2026 to better understand attitudes towards battery disposal and recycling. The online survey was conducted with a 95% confidence level and a margin of error of ±4%.
Although lithium batteries power everything from smartphones and laptops to power tools and electric vehicles (EVs), many consumers remain uncertain about the correct way to dispose of them safely.
Respondents identified several common obstacles to recycling, including limited access to convenient collection points, uncertainty about preparing batteries for recycling, and concerns over safely storing or transporting used batteries before disposal.
These barriers suggest that expanding recycling infrastructure alone may not be enough. Public education about battery identification, safe handling and available recycling options also remains essential.
Education could unlock higher recycling rates
The survey indicates that consumer behaviour could change significantly with better information.
Many respondents said they would be more likely to recycle batteries if they better understood the wider environmental and economic benefits.
In particular, 84% reported they would be more inclined to recycle if they knew it could help reduce US dependence on imported critical minerals.
This growing awareness is increasingly important as demand for lithium-ion batteries continues to rise across consumer electronics, energy storage systems and EVs.
Recovering valuable materials such as lithium, nickel and cobalt from spent batteries helps reduce the need for new mining while supporting a more resilient domestic supply chain.
EV battery knowledge also lags behind
The research also highlights gaps in public understanding of EV battery recycling.
Around two-thirds of current EV owners reported receiving little or no education about battery recycling or battery safety when purchasing their vehicle.
Many prospective EV buyers have also given little thought to what happens when an electric vehicle battery reaches the end of its useful life.
As EV adoption accelerates across the US, improving consumer knowledge around battery lifecycles will become increasingly important for both environmental sustainability and resource recovery.
Industry collaboration between recyclers, vehicle manufacturers, dealerships and automotive dismantlers could play a greater role in providing this information at the point of sale and throughout vehicle ownership.
Building a stronger domestic battery supply chain
Cirba Solutions says it is addressing the challenges identified in the research through public education initiatives, community battery collection events and partnerships with retailers, municipalities and manufacturers.
The company has also expanded its collection network while providing educational resources that explain how to identify battery types, prepare them safely for recycling and locate nearby collection sites.
Beyond collection, its US processing facilities recover critical materials from end-of-life batteries before returning them to manufacturing supply chains for use in producing new battery materials.
This closed-loop approach supports US battery recycling by keeping valuable resources in circulation while reducing dependence on overseas sources of lithium, nickel and cobalt.
The latest findings suggest that consumer willingness already exists. Closing the information gap and making recycling more accessible may now be the most effective way to increase participation, recover critical minerals and strengthen America’s growing battery supply chain.
