What Lithium Battery Recycling Solutions have been up to in the world of lithium

It’s been another busy and exciting few months for Lithium Battery Recycling Solutions (LBRS), part of SUEZ and proudly operated by Cawleys, as we continue to lead the charge in lithium battery recycling. From major industry expos to thought-leadership events, our team has been out on the road, connecting with automotive manufacturers, recyclers, and technology partners, all with one shared mission: to create a safer, more circular future for lithium battery recycling in the UK.

Connecting across the industry

Over recent months, the LBRS team has been active across the electric vehicle and battery recycling calendar. We’ve attended SMMT Electrified in London, the Battery Tech Expo at Silverstone, Battery Cells & Systems Expo and the Cenex Expo, both at the NEC, as well as the BADGP AGM and Seminar and the Complete Auto Recycling Show (CARS) in Birmingham. We also had the opportunity to share insights on the Silverstone Technology Cluster Podcast, continuing to raise awareness around safe lithium battery management.

Each event has been a fantastic opportunity to engage with stakeholders from across the automotive and recycling sectors. We’ve had valuable conversations with industry leaders and received great feedback on the growing demand for specialist lithium recycling services. These events not only generated strong relationships but also revealed an important insight – many people are still unsure what to do with lithium batteries once they reach end-of-life.

The education challenge: lithium batteries are hazardous waste

A common theme across all our conversations has been awareness. Many businesses and individuals don’t yet realise that lithium batteries are classified as hazardous waste and must be handled by accredited companies with the right safety measures in place. Improper storage or disposal can lead to serious safety risks, from fire hazards to environmental contamination and it’s vital that these batteries are managed through authorised recycling routes. Education in this area remains one of the most important aspects of our mission, and we’re committed to helping businesses and consumers understand how to manage their batteries safely.

Meeting the recycling challenge head-on

With the UK still developing its lithium-ion processing infrastructure, LBRS is helping bridge the gap with one of the country’s first dedicated lithium battery treatment facilities. Here, our qualified high-voltage engineers de-energise and dismantle batteries before they are shredded to recover valuable materials. These are then sent to trusted European partners for hydrometallurgical treatment, achieving high recovery rates for critical elements such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel.

“The focus has always been on developing a full circular process,” explains Alan Colledge, Technical Director at LBRS. “By working with European facilities while developing capability here in the UK, we’re helping ensure lithium batteries are managed safely and sustainably, protecting both people and the planet.”

Expanding capacity and partnerships

As electric and hybrid vehicles continue to surge across the UK, the demand for safe, efficient lithium recycling is growing fast. To meet that challenge, LBRS is already planning for the future, with a larger facility set to open in early 2026. This expansion will significantly increase our processing capacity and enable us to support a broader network of recyclers, manufacturers, and sustainability partners nationwide.

Looking ahead

The future of lithium battery recycling is bright and busy. As awareness grows, we’re proud to be at the forefront of the industry, driving education, collaboration, and innovation. From our partnerships with leading brands to our growing recycling infrastructure, LBRS remain committed to making lithium battery recycling safer, smarter, and more sustainable.

Find out more

To discover how we can take care of your expired lithium batteries whilst making a positive impact on the environment, contact us today on 0208 0907 300 or email hello@lithiumbatteryrecycling.co.uk