The global battery recycling capacity gap is narrowing rapidly, with 15 new facilities breaking ground in Q1 2026 across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Combined with existing operational capacity, the industry is on track to process 800,000 tonnes of end-of-life batteries annually by 2028—a fivefold increase from 2024 levels.
Regional Highlights
- North America: 6 facilities including Ascend Elements (Kentucky), Cirba Solutions (Ohio), and Li-Cycle expansion (Arizona)
- Europe: 5 facilities spanning Germany, Sweden, France, and Poland, with combined capacity exceeding 200,000 tonnes
- Asia-Pacific: 4 facilities in South Korea, Japan, and Australia focused on both domestic EV waste and imported black mass processing
The wave of construction activity reflects growing confidence in the recycling business model, as rising battery volumes, tightening regulations, and stabilising commodity prices create the revenue certainty needed to secure project financing.
