High Voltage Battery Recycling

Anything above 60 volts DC needs treating differently. High voltage packs from electric and hybrid vehicles, energy storage systems and industrial equipment carry a genuine risk of arc flash and thermal runaway if they're handled by people who aren't trained for it. At Vantage, we provide compliant high voltage battery recycling using qualified technicians, ADR transport and approved treatment routes.

Get A Quote

Learn More

Handling high voltage batteries safely

High voltage batteries can't be treated as a standard waste item. Packs need isolating, testing and, in many cases, discharging before they can be safely moved or dismantled, and a pack that has been damaged in service or in an accident needs assessing individually before anything else happens.

We work with vehicle manufacturers, dealerships, dismantlers, energy providers, plant operators and waste companies to manage high voltage battery waste safely. That covers EV and hybrid traction packs, energy storage modules and high voltage packs from industrial and specialist equipment.

Whether you've got one damaged pack or an ongoing volume, we'll help find the right route.

Our Process

How it works

Our technicians assess the pack and its condition first, then recommend the appropriate isolation, packaging and transport arrangements. Damaged or thermally unstable packs can be moved in UN-approved containers where required.

Once collected, packs are transported through approved channels to authorised treatment facilities, where they are discharged, dismantled to module or cell level and processed so materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper and aluminium can be recovered.

You'll receive full documentation and complete traceability throughout the process

Compliance

Compliance you can trust

High voltage batteries are hazardous waste and dangerous goods, and the requirements around storage, transport and treatment reflect that. Our team handles the risk assessments, ADR documentation and logistics on your behalf, so packs are managed correctly from the moment they leave your site and you have a clear audit trail at the end of it.

Why Choose Vantage?

We've built our reputation on solving waste problems that others struggle with, and lead acid batteries are a stream we handle in volume. Our own ADR fleet ranges from vans to HGVs, so collections can be sized around what you actually have rather than what a third party is willing to move.

As an Approved Battery Treatment Operator (ABTO), we're trusted to manage battery waste compliantly from collection through to final recycling.

What We Handle

Related Services

Battery Recycling

Electric Car Battery Recycling

Energy Storage Battery Recycling

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is classed as a high voltage battery?

In practice, any battery system operating above 60 volts DC is treated as high voltage. That includes traction packs from electric and hybrid vehicles, battery energy storage modules, and high voltage packs used in industrial and specialist equipment.

Why do high voltage batteries need specialist handling?

High voltage packs can deliver a fatal shock and can enter thermal runaway if they are damaged, short circuited or stored incorrectly. Isolation, testing and discharge all need to be carried out by technicians trained and qualified to work on high voltage systems.

Can damaged high voltage batteries be transported?

Yes, but damaged, defective or recalled packs require specialist handling and transportation procedures. Our team can advise on the safest collection and disposal method based on the battery's condition and regulatory requirements.

Are high voltage batteries hazardous waste?

Yes. High voltage lithium-ion batteries are treated as hazardous waste and as dangerous goods in transport, which means storage, movement and treatment all carry specific legal requirements.

What is an Approved Battery Treatment Operator (ABTO)?

Packs are dismantled to module or cell level so that lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper, aluminium and steel can be recovered and returned to the supply chain, reducing demand for newly mined material.

What materials are recovered from high voltage batteries?

An Approved Battery Treatment Operator (ABTO) is a UK-authorised facility that safely treats and recycles waste batteries in line with environmental regulations. Sending waste batteries to an ABTO ensures legal compliance, safe recycling and environmental protection. UK regulations require producers and businesses to route used portable, industrial and automotive batteries through certified operators, helping maximise material recovery while minimising environmental impact.

Do you offer nationwide waste collection services?

Yes, we operate our own fleet collecting from over 2,500 customer collection points throughout the UK. Speak to us about your requirements for further information tailored to your business.

What containers do you provide for waste collections?

We provide a wide range of containers, including wheelie bins, drums, IBCs, stillages, pallet boxes, battery storage units, specialist airbag containers and UN-approved containers for critically damaged EV batteries. We can also provide vermiculite for safe battery storage. Our team will recommend the most suitable option based on your waste stream, storage requirements, operational needs and collection schedule.

Why Vantage

Let's Talk About Your Waste Management Requirements

Tell us about your waste streams, collection needs or compliance challenges and our team will recommend the right solution for your business.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Need high voltage battery recycling?

Whether you've got a single damaged pack or a programme of high voltage batteries to manage, we'll help you find the right recycling route. Get in touch and we'll take it from here.

Get a Quote