Current Prices for Scrap Batteries in Illinois
In-depth analytics for scrap batteries prices in Illinois. Compare local scrap yard buyout rates with LME Lead exchange benchmarks, use the lot calculator to estimate your payout, and find the yards with the best offers near you.
Local data is supplemented with national averages for the most accurate estimate. The market moves as one trend — use the national figure as your reference point.
Price trends for scrap batteries by grade
over the last 90 daysIn the last 3 months in the Batteries category: price is steady for 4 grades and price is down for 2 grades.
U.S. National Price Benchmark — Batteries in Illinois
Local scrap yards in Illinois sometimes post their prices with a short delay. To keep you informed of what your metal is worth right now, we use U.S. national averages as a reference. The secondary metals market responds to exchange moves in sync across the country — use this national benchmark when negotiating with local buyers. Batteries prices across the U.S. →
Batteries scrap prices by grade in Illinois
Here is the Batteries data we have on file for Illinois. Local yards don't always update their online prices daily — if your grade isn't listed, use the National Benchmark above as leverage when negotiating with local buyers.
Scrap yards paying the most for scrap batteries in Illinois
Live prices from local scrap yards in Illinois. Compare offers and find the buyer paying the most.
Elgin Recycling Center
Big Daddy Scrap
Big Daddy Scrap
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🚀 List your scrap yard ⟶Price chart: scrap batteries grades and LME Lead exchange data
The chart shows average yard buyout rates and LME Lead exchange data for your selected scrap batteries grade. When the exchange moves up and local yard prices lag, they typically follow within a few trading days — a signal to hold if you can. When both lines drop, sell now before yards update their offers downward. Switch grades using the selector above the chart.
Calculate the value of your scrap batteries lot
Selling a mixed load? Pick the grades below — a weight field appears after you select at least one grade, then the calculator estimates your haul's value from current average prices Illinois.
Compare scrap batteries grades and their value
Lead-acid battery pricing tracks LME Lead; lithium-ion payout depends on cobalt/lithium content and has a separate commodity basis. Nickel-based batteries fall under specialty pricing. Identifying your material correctly before selling is the single most effective step to maximize your payout.
| Grade | Exchange (100%) | Yard Price (per lb) | Grade Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Lead Acid Batteries | $0.92/ lb LME | $0.24/ lb | High Grade•26% |
| Steel Case Forklift Batteries | $0.92/ lb LME | $0.22/ lb | High Grade•23% |
| Automotive Batteries (Car & Truck) | $0.92/ lb LME | $0.19/ lb | High Grade•21% |
| Scrap Lead Acid Batteries | $0.92/ lb LME | $0.19/ lb | High Grade•21% |
| Telecom & Absolyte Batteries | $0.92/ lb LME | $0.10/ lb | Mid Grade•11% |
| Lithium Ion Batteries | $25.39/ lb LME | $0.40/ lb | Low Grade•2% |
📊 What determines the value of scrap batteries:
- Lead-acid (automotive): Car and truck batteries are the highest-volume item — priced by the pound, based on LME Lead. The standard benchmark grade for this category.
- Sealed lead-acid / AGM: Telecom and UPS sealed batteries (Absolyte, wet-cell telecom) are priced similarly to automotive but often have a size/condition premium.
- Lithium-Ion: EV and consumer Li-Ion batteries require specialty buyers; never lump them with lead-acid. Payout varies widely based on cathode chemistry.
- Steel case forklift: Industrial lead-acid with a steel outer shell — priced as lead-acid minus a deduction for the steel housing weight.
Map of scrap yards buying scrap batteries
The map below shows yards currently listing prices for scrap batteries. Select your state on the map or from the list to see current per-pound rates for all grades at local yards.