Why this market is moving now
- DOE announced up to $500 million for seven critical-mineral and battery projects in August 2026, including recyclers Nth Cycle and Princeton NuEnergy.
- A one-year ban on black mass exports began on 27 August 2026, which keeps shredded battery material in the US.
Key figures
Each figure names the source it came from. Open the source list below to read the quoted line.
| Figure | Value | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redwood Materials says it recovers over 20 GWh of lithium-ion batteries each year. | 20 GWh per year (over) | 2026 | Redwood Materials |
| Redwood Materials says it produces more than 60,000 tons of critical materials a year. | 60,000 tons per year (more than) | 2026 | Redwood Materials |
| Redwood Materials says it recovers more than 95% of critical materials (lithium, nickel, cobalt and copper) from products. | 95 % recovery (more than) | 2026 | Redwood Materials |
| The US Department of Energy announced up to $500 million for seven critical-mineral processing and recycling projects in August 2026. | 500 million USD (up to) | 2026 | Waste Dive |
| Nth Cycle was awarded up to $100 million in the DOE's third battery grant round. | 100 million USD (up to) | 2026 | Waste Dive |
| Nth Cycle plans to refine up to 24,000 metric tons of black mass a year from end-of-life batteries and manufacturing scrap. | 24,000 metric tons of black mass per year (up to) | 2026 | Waste Dive |
| Princeton NuEnergy will receive up to $50 million to help build a battery-recycling demonstration facility in Georgia. | 50 million USD (up to) | 2026 | Waste Dive |
| The US administration imposed a one-year ban on exports of black mass that took effect on 27 August 2026. | 1 year export ban on black mass from 27 August 2026 | 2026 | Waste Dive |
| In November 2022 DOE announced nearly $74 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for 10 EV battery recycling and reuse projects. | 74 million USD (nearly), 10 projects | 2022 | U.S. Department of Energy |
Sources and method
The figures on this page come from the public sources listed below. Read how we work.
- Redwood Materials: Redwood Materials | Domestic Supply Chain for Lithium-ion Batteries (2026)
Quoted lines
- Figure 1
Redwood recovers over 20 GWh of lithium-ion batteries each year
- Figure 2
producing more than 60,000 tons of critical materials annually.
- Figure 3
We recover more than 95% of critical materials—lithium, nickel, cobalt, and copper—from products already out there.
- Figure 1
- Waste Dive: Battery recycling projects among DOE's latest $500M grant funding round (2026-08-25)
Quoted lines
- Figure 4
up to $500 million for projects meant to boost critical mineral processing and recycling capacity
- Figure 5
Nth Cycle, a critical minerals refining company, was awarded up to $100 million.
- Figure 6
up to 24,000 metric tons of black mass a year
- Figure 7
up to $50 million to help build a demonstration facility in Georgia.
- Figure 8
a one-year ban on the export of black mass.
- Figure 4
- U.S. Department of Energy: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Nearly $74 Million To Advance Domestic Battery Recycling And Reuse, Strengthen Nation's Battery Supply Chain (2022-11-16)
Quoted lines
- Figure 9
nearly $74 million in funding from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for 10 projects
- Figure 9
Companies to watch
Redwood Materials
Says it recovers over 20 GWh of lithium-ion batteries each year.
Nth Cycle
Awarded up to $100 million by DOE to refine up to 24,000 metric tons of black mass a year.
Princeton NuEnergy
Awarded up to $50 million by DOE for a demonstration facility in Georgia.
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the United States market - 03Market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 05Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 06Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 07Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 08Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 09Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 10Method and sources
Every assumption and source, listed
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Frequently asked questions
How much battery capacity does Redwood Materials recycle?
Redwood Materials says it recovers over 20 GWh of lithium-ion batteries each year and produces more than 60,000 tons of critical materials annually.
How much recovery does Redwood claim?
Redwood says it recovers more than 95% of lithium, nickel, cobalt and copper from the products it processes.
What federal funding went to battery recycling in 2026?
DOE announced up to $500 million for seven projects in August 2026, including up to $100 million for Nth Cycle and up to $50 million for Princeton NuEnergy, per Waste Dive.
Is there a US ban on black mass exports?
Yes. Waste Dive reports the administration imposed a one-year ban on the export of black mass, effective 27 August 2026.
Who are the main US EV battery recyclers?
Examples include Redwood Materials, Nth Cycle and Princeton NuEnergy. Redwood states over 20 GWh of annual recovery.
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