Lead-acid batteries are everywhere—powering our cars, backup generators, and even forklifts in warehouses. But when they reach the end of their life, they’re not just scrap; they’re a goldmine of recyclable materials, especially lead. However, extracting that value safely and efficiently isn’t a job for just any machinery. It takes specialized equipment designed to crush, separate, and process these batteries without harming the environment or workers. That’s where South Korea’s top suppliers come in. In 2025, the demand for reliable lead-acid battery recycling equipment has never been higher, driven by stricter environmental laws and a global push for circular economies. Whether you’re a small recycling facility or a large industrial plant, choosing the right supplier can make all the difference in your operations. Let’s take a deep dive into the 10 leading companies in South Korea that are setting the standard for quality, innovation, and sustainability in this space.
| Supplier Name | Established Year | Key Products | Core Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Korean Eco-Recycling Tech Co., Ltd. | 2005 | Lead acid battery breaking and separation system, Lead refinery machine equipment | Automation, high separation efficiency (99.5% lead recovery) |
| Seoul Battery Recycling Solutions | 2010 | Filter press equipment, Air pollution control system equipment | Eco-friendly design, compliance with EU emission standards |
| Busan Heavy Industries & Recycling | 1998 | Hydraulic cutter equipment, Lead acid battery recycling equipment | Durable machinery, 24/7 after-sales support |
| Incheon Green Tech Systems | 2012 | Lead acid battery breaking and separation system, Dry process equipment | Energy-efficient, low water consumption |
| Daegu Recycling Machinery Corp. | 2008 | Hydraulic press machines equipment, Wet process equipment | Customizable systems, small to large scale |
| Gwangju Environmental Engineering | 2015 | Air pollution control system equipment, Auxiliary equipment | Smart monitoring, IoT integration |
| Daejeon Industrial Solutions | 2003 | Lead refinery machine equipment, Metal melting furnace equipment | High-temperature precision, long furnace lifespan |
| Ulsan Heavy Machinery Ltd. | 2011 | Hydraulic briquetter equipment, Plastic pneumatic conveying system equipment | Space-saving design, high throughput |
| Suwon Battery Recycling Tech | 2018 | Lead acid battery breaking and separation system, Circuit board recycling equipment | Multi-material processing, modular systems |
| Pohang Eco-Machinery | 2007 | Filter press equipment, Water process equipment | Zero-waste water discharge, easy maintenance |
1. Korean Eco-Recycling Tech Co., Ltd.
When it comes to lead-acid battery recycling equipment, Korean Eco-Recycling Tech (KERT) has been a household name in South Korea since 2005. What started as a small workshop in Seoul has grown into a global player, thanks to their obsession with precision and customer satisfaction. Their flagship product, the lead acid battery breaking and separation system , is a marvel of engineering. Imagine a machine that can take a whole lead-acid battery, crush it into manageable pieces, and then separate the lead plates, plastic casings, and acid with pinpoint accuracy—all in under a minute. That’s exactly what KERT delivers. Their systems boast a 99.5% lead recovery rate, which means almost no valuable material goes to waste. But what really sets them apart is their focus on automation. Many of their machines come with touchscreen controls and automatic adjustment features, so even operators with minimal training can keep things running smoothly. And if you’re worried about scalability, KERT has you covered. They offer systems for small facilities processing 500 kg/hour up to industrial giants handling 5,000 kg/hour. Plus, their lead refinery machine equipment ensures that the recovered lead is pure enough to be reused in new batteries, closing the loop perfectly.
2. Seoul Battery Recycling Solutions
Founded in 2010, Seoul Battery Recycling Solutions (SBRS) made a name for itself by prioritizing the environment just as much as efficiency. Let’s face it—recycling lead-acid batteries can get messy. The acid, the fumes, the wastewater… it’s a lot to handle. But SBRS has turned that challenge into their strength. Their filter press equipment is a game-changer for managing the sludge and acid residues. These presses use high pressure to separate solids from liquids, leaving behind dry cake that’s easy to dispose of or reuse, and clean water that can be recycled back into the system. No more worrying about toxic runoff! And when it comes to air quality, their air pollution control system equipment is second to none. Equipped with multi-stage filters and scrubbers, these systems capture 99% of harmful emissions, making sure your facility meets even the strictest EU and Korean environmental standards. What customers love most about SBRS is their transparency. They’ll walk you through every step of the process, from installation to training, and even provide real-time data on how much energy and water you’re saving. It’s not just about selling machines—it’s about building long-term partnerships for a greener future.
3. Busan Heavy Industries & Recycling
If durability is your top priority, look no further than Busan Heavy Industries & Recycling. Established in 1998, this company has been through it all—economic downturns, changing regulations, and evolving customer needs—and they’ve come out stronger each time. Their secret? Using only the toughest materials. Take their hydraulic cutter equipment , for example. These cutters are built with hardened steel blades that can slice through battery casings and metal plates like butter, even after years of daily use. Customers report using the same cutter for over a decade with minimal blade replacements. But Busan Heavy Industries isn’t just about tough machinery; they’re also about support. Imagine having a problem with your equipment at 2 AM on a Saturday—who do you call? With Busan, you get a 24/7 hotline and a team of engineers ready to troubleshoot via video call or even fly out to your facility if needed. Their lead acid battery recycling equipment lines are also known for being user-friendly. They’ve simplified the controls so that even workers who aren’t tech-savvy can operate them safely. And with a wide range of models, from compact units for small workshops to industrial-scale systems, they’ve got options for every budget and space.
4. Incheon Green Tech Systems
Incheon Green Tech Systems entered the scene in 2012 with a bold mission: to make recycling equipment that’s kind to both the planet and your electricity bill. And they’ve delivered in spades. Their lead acid battery breaking and separation system uses a dry process that eliminates the need for large amounts of water, which is a huge plus for regions facing water scarcity. Instead of using water to separate materials, they use air classification and magnetic separation—smart, efficient, and way less resource-intensive. But don’t think dry process means lower efficiency. Their systems still achieve a 98% lead recovery rate, which is on par with wet process machines. What really impresses customers is the energy savings. Incheon’s equipment uses variable frequency drives and energy-efficient motors that can cut electricity costs by up to 30% compared to older models. And if you’re tight on space, their compact designs are a lifesaver. One customer in Seoul, who runs a recycling facility in a former warehouse, raved about how Incheon’s system fit into their limited square footage without sacrificing throughput. Plus, their machines are designed to be easily dismantled for maintenance, so you spend less time fixing and more time processing.
5. Daegu Recycling Machinery Corp.
Daegu Recycling Machinery Corp. (DRMC) has been all about customization since 2008. They understand that no two recycling facilities are the same—some process mostly car batteries, others focus on industrial batteries, and some need to handle a mix. That’s why their hydraulic press machines equipment and wet process equipment can be tailored to your specific needs. Want a system that can handle both small and large batteries? DRMC will design it. Need to integrate your existing conveyor belts? They’ll make it work. One of their most popular custom solutions is a hybrid system that combines wet and dry processing. For facilities that have access to water but want to reduce consumption, this system uses water only for the initial separation, then switches to dry air classification for the final steps. It’s the best of both worlds. DRMC also prides itself on scalability. Start with a small system processing 500 kg/hour, and as your business grows, add modules to boost capacity to 2,000 kg/hour or more. No need to buy a whole new system—just upgrade the parts you need. And with a team of in-house designers, they can turn your vision into reality in as little as 3 months, which is much faster than the industry average.
6. Gwangju Environmental Engineering
Gwangju Environmental Engineering is the new kid on the block, founded in 2015, but they’ve quickly made a name for themselves with their smart, connected equipment. In a world where data is king, their air pollution control system equipment comes with built-in IoT sensors that monitor emissions, temperature, and pressure in real time. You can check all this data on your phone or laptop, and the system even sends alerts if something is off—like a filter that needs changing or a sudden spike in emissions. It’s like having a 24/7 environmental watchdog. But their tech-savviness doesn’t stop there. Their auxiliary equipment , such as conveyors and material handlers, can be integrated with your main system for seamless automation. Imagine batteries being loaded onto a conveyor, crushed, separated, and sorted—all without a single worker touching them. It’s not just efficient; it’s safer, too, reducing the risk of accidents. Gwangju Environmental Engineering also offers training programs to help your team get the most out of their smart systems. They’ll teach you how to analyze the data, optimize your processes, and even predict maintenance needs before they become problems. And with a focus on sustainability, their equipment is designed to be energy-efficient, using solar-powered options for some auxiliary units.
7. Daejeon Industrial Solutions
Daejeon Industrial Solutions has been refining lead recovery technology since 2003, and their lead refinery machine equipment is considered some of the best in the business. What makes their refinery machines stand out is their precision. They can heat lead to exact temperatures, removing impurities like sulfur and antimony with pinpoint accuracy, resulting in lead that’s 99.99% pure—pure enough to be used in new batteries without any quality issues. Their metal melting furnace equipment is also a hit. These furnaces use medium-frequency induction heating, which is faster and more energy-efficient than traditional heating methods. A typical furnace can melt 500 kg of lead in under an hour, which means higher throughput for your facility. Daejeon is also known for their long-lasting equipment. The lining of their furnaces is made from high-quality refractory materials that can withstand extreme temperatures for years, reducing the need for costly replacements. One customer in Busan mentioned that their Daejeon furnace has been running non-stop for eight years with only minor repairs. And with a focus on safety, their furnaces come with automatic temperature controls and emergency shut-off systems to prevent overheating or accidents.
8. Ulsan Heavy Machinery Ltd.
Ulsan Heavy Machinery Ltd. knows that space is a luxury in many recycling facilities, which is why their equipment is designed to be compact yet powerful. Their hydraulic briquetter equipment is a perfect example. These machines take loose lead scraps and compress them into dense briquettes, saving up to 70% of storage space. The briquettes are also easier to transport and melt, making the entire recycling process more efficient. But what really impresses customers is the size—some models are small enough to fit in the corner of a workshop, yet they can produce 100 briquettes per hour. Ulsan also excels in material handling with their plastic pneumatic conveying system equipment . Instead of using bulky conveyor belts to move plastic casings from the separator to the storage area, they use air pressure to transport the plastic through pipes. It’s a clean, quiet, and space-saving solution that eliminates the need for floor space dedicated to conveyors. And since the pipes can be routed overhead, you free up valuable floor area for other equipment. Customers also love the low maintenance of Ulsan’s machines. The pneumatic systems have few moving parts, so there’s less to break down, and the hydraulic briquetters come with self-lubricating components that reduce wear and tear.
9. Suwon Battery Recycling Tech
Suwon Battery Recycling Tech may be one of the newer suppliers (founded in 2018), but they’ve quickly gained a reputation for innovation. Their claim to fame is their lead acid battery breaking and separation system that can also process other materials, like circuit boards. That’s right—with a few adjustments, you can switch from recycling batteries to recycling e-waste, making your facility more versatile and profitable. Their circuit board recycling equipment uses a combination of shredding, grinding, and electrostatic separation to recover copper, gold, and other metals from old circuit boards, which can then be sold as scrap or reused. Suwon’s systems are also modular, meaning you can start with a basic battery recycling unit and add circuit board processing later as your business grows. This flexibility is a big plus for startups or small facilities that want to expand gradually. And with a focus on affordability, Suwon offers competitive pricing and even leasing options, making their equipment accessible to businesses with tight budgets. Customers also appreciate their transparent pricing—no hidden fees, just a clear breakdown of costs for the machine, installation, and training.
10. Pohang Eco-Machinery
Last but certainly not least, Pohang Eco-Machinery rounds out our list with their focus on water conservation and zero waste. Their filter press equipment is designed to squeeze every last ｄｒｏｐ of water from sludge, resulting in a dry cake that can be safely disposed of or used as landfill cover. The water that’s recovered is so clean that it can be reused in the separation process, creating a closed-loop system with almost zero water discharge. For facilities that use wet processing, this is a game-changer, as it reduces water bills and eliminates the need for expensive wastewater treatment. Pohang’s water process equipment also includes advanced water treatment systems that remove heavy metals and contaminants, ensuring that any water released is safe for the environment. One customer in Daegu reported that after installing Pohang’s water system, they passed their environmental audit with zero violations for the first time. And like many Korean suppliers, Pohang prioritizes customer support. They offer free training for your staff on how to maintain the water systems and filter presses, and they even provide regular check-ins to ensure everything is running smoothly.
