Call2Recycle Rebrands as The Battery Network to Lead the EV Battery Recycling Effort

The Battery Network is positioning itself as a central force in the next phase of the United States’ circular energy economy. After three decades operating as Call2Recycle, the organization has relaunched under its new name to reflect an expanded mission that goes beyond collection and into building a nationwide system for battery lifecycle management.

The Battery Network’s focus is to keep critical materials circulating while advancing safe, scalable battery recycling. According to CEO Leo Raudys, the organization’s work now encompasses infrastructure development for a circular energy future, reducing fire risk, strengthening domestic energy security, and protecting both communities and the environment.

A new analysis from energy think tank Ember reveals more than a quarter of new cars sold globally in 2025 were electric.

Rising adoption of electric vehicles, e-bikes, and connected devices continues to increase demand for batteries and critical minerals. Each year, The Battery Network collects and recycles millions of pounds of all kinds, shapes and sizes of batteries through more than 20,000 drop-off locations, including major retailers such as Best Buy and Lowe’s. Today, roughly 80 percent of Americans live within 15 miles of a collection point, significantly improving access to responsible recycling options.

The organization also supports manufacturers and retailers as a compliance and logistics partner, helping navigate expanding state-level battery recycling legislation and Extended Producer Responsibility requirements. Its systems provide safe handling, transportation, and material recovery for lithium, cobalt, nickel, and other valuable resources.

The rebrand, developed with Pentagram, introduces a new name and visual identity designed to emphasize the organization’s role as a connector across the battery ecosystem. Updated branding will be deployed across digital and physical channels in the months ahead.

The Battery Network plans continued leadership in next-generation recycling initiatives, including e-mobility and e-bike battery programs, solutions for emerging EV battery streams, and education to promote safe storage and handling practices.

EV Batteries Are First Repurposed, Then Recycled

Before EV batteries are recycled, they are first repurposed. This is a brand-new and fast growing industry in North America. Repurposing and recycling EV batteries make the EV even more eco friendly, although it is already the most eco friendly vehicle. This is supported by a wide variety of authoritative studies.

Repurposing used electric vehicle (EV) batteries for “second-life” stationary energy storage can extend battery value, reduce environmental impacts, and support a circular energy economy. Although EV batteries eventually lose sufficient capacity for vehicle use, many still retain around 80 percent of their original capacity and are suitable for less demanding stationary applications, such as backup power, EV charging station storage, and intermittent grid support.

Demand for battery minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese is rising, and their extraction carries environmental and economic costs. Despite these impacts, life-cycle emissions from battery electric vehicles are far lower than gasoline vehicles. Repurposing batteries before recycling can reduce costs, conserve critical materials, and strengthen grid resilience.

The second-life market remains limited due to missing standards, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and lack of access to battery health data. A new ACEEE policy brief recommends solutions including battery passports, data access requirements, design standards to ease disassembly, updated hazardous material classifications, streamlined certifications, and extended producer responsibility policies. Examples such as the Crusoe–Redwood Materials microgrid demonstrate the promise of second-life storage, but broader policy action is needed to scale deployment.

With clear standards and incentives, repurposed EV batteries could become integral to a circular, low-carbon energy system, advancing environmental justice, reducing costs, and improving U.S. energy security.