Lead
Recycling
Lead recycling recovers one of the most recycled metals in the world — primarily from lead-acid batteries, but also from solder, cable sheathing, roofing, radiation shielding, and industrial applications. Lead is classified as a toxic metal under EPA regulations, requiring licensed handling and documented disposal.
What We Accept
All items processed through certified facilities with full documentation.
Get a Quote arrow_forwardRecycling Process
Collection
Lead scrap collected in lined containers to prevent soil contamination. DOT-compliant packaging for transport. Lead-acid batteries collected separately.
Classification
Sorted by type: soft lead (pure), hard lead (antimonial), battery lead (plates and lugs), dross, and mixed. Each type has different value and processing requirements.
Smelting
Processed at secondary lead smelters where lead is melted, refined, and recast into ingots. Recovery rate exceeds 99% for clean lead scrap.
Battery Processing
Lead-acid batteries are the primary source: lead plates and grids are smelted, sulfuric acid is neutralized or recycled, polypropylene cases are recycled into new battery cases.
Related Services
Ready to recycle lead?
Quotes in less than 1 hour. Free pickup for commercial volumes.
Lead is a toxic metal regulated under EPA RCRA. Lead scrap that fails the TCLP test (leaches lead above 5.0 mg/L) is classified as hazardous waste. Lead-acid batteries are classified as universal waste with simplified handling rules. We manage the classification and compliance requirements.
Lead prices follow the LME (London Metal Exchange). Clean soft lead typically pays $0.40-$0.70/lb depending on market conditions. Battery plates and lugs are priced based on lead content and contamination level.
Yes — lead-acid batteries are the most commonly recycled lead source. Automotive, UPS, forklift, and industrial batteries all accepted. Nearly 99% of a lead-acid battery is recyclable. See also our batteries page for all battery types.
Lead solder scrap and lead dross from manufacturing are accepted. Dross (the oxidized material skimmed from molten lead) has lower lead content but is still recoverable. Priced based on lead percentage.
Yes. Lead scrap should be stored to prevent soil and water contamination — lined containers or sealed drums. Workers handling lead should follow OSHA lead standards (29 CFR 1910.1025). We provide compliant containers and coordinate licensed transport.
Get a Lead Recycling Quote
Quotes in less than 1 hour. Same day pickup in 52+ cities nationwide.