ScrapCurrent Prices for Scrap Batteries in the US
In-depth analytics for scrap batteries prices in the US. 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.
Price trends for scrap batteries by grade
over the last 90 daysIn the last 3 months in the Batteries category: price is up for 2 grades, price is steady for 3 grades, and price is down for 1 grade.
Batteries scrap prices by grade in the US
Lead-acid batteries are the most common; Lithium-Ion batteries follow entirely different buyer channels. Click any grade to get a detailed price chart, market analysis, and a list of yards currently paying the most.
Scrap yards paying the most for scrap batteries in the US
Live prices from local scrap yards across the U.S.. Compare offers and find the buyer paying the most.
Stuff Recycling
Western Oklahoma Metal Recycling LLC
CMC Recycling
Biltmore Iron & Metal Co Inc
McCoy Iron & Metal
Conservit, Inc.
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Hundreds of people search for the best scrap prices across the U.S. every day. Add your yard and start capturing those leads.
🚀 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 across the U.S..
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scrap Lead Acid Batteries | $0.98/ lb LME | $0.29/ lb | High Grade•29% |
| Small Lead Acid Batteries | $0.98/ lb LME | $0.24/ lb | High Grade•24% |
| Steel Case Forklift Batteries | $0.98/ lb LME | $0.23/ lb | High Grade•23% |
| Automotive Batteries (Car & Truck) | $0.98/ lb LME | $0.20/ lb | High Grade•20% |
| Telecom & Absolyte Batteries | $0.98/ lb LME | $0.10/ lb | Low Grade•10% |
| Lithium Ion Batteries | $28.15/ lb LME | $0.40/ lb | Low Grade•1% |
📊 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.