How We Recycle Hybrid Vehicle Batteries

Toyota has been collecting and recycling batteries since 2010, when we established a comprehensive hybrid vehicle battery recycling program for NiMH batteries with Toyota and Lexus dealerships in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Our objective was to keep these batteries out of landfills and recycle the components to the extent feasible. 

In 2019, TMNA expanded the recycling program to include Li-ion batteries, which we have been using in certain hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles since 2012. We worked with a certified materials handler to help assure the batteries are properly inspected and packaged for shipping, and designed custom shipping containers to meet or exceed U.S. Department of Transportation requirements.

We cover the cost to ship used batteries from dealerships to our recycling partners. Our partners then recycle the recyclable components in NiMH and Li-ion batteries they receive. Used batteries are either refurbished or broken down so that the components – battery cells, casing, wiring and plastic – can be used to make new batteries.

We are now working with partners to investigate ways to seamlessly incorporate battery recycling into our battery production strategy. This includes a mission to create a sustainable, closed-loop battery ecosystem for our electrified powertrains. We are focused not only on the collection, testing and recycling of batteries into raw materials to create a sustainable supply chain, but also on the development of second-life opportunities for remanufactured and repurposed Toyota hybrid electric vehicle batteries.