In the global landscape of recycling and resource recovery, China stands tall as a pioneer in lead refining and recycling technology. As the demand for sustainable practices and circular economy solutions grows, the country’s lead refining industry has stepped up, blending innovation with environmental responsibility. 2025 marks a pivotal year for this sector, with advancements in equipment, efficiency, and eco-friendly processes taking center stage. Today, we’re shining a light on the top 10 lead refiners in China—companies that aren’t just processing metal, but are leading the charge in creating a greener, more efficient future for recycling.
These industry leaders aren’t just about meeting quotas; they’re about redefining what’s possible. From cutting-edge lead acid battery recycling systems to state-of-the-art air pollution control setups, each of these companies brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re a business looking for reliable partners or simply curious about the future of recycling, this list offers a deep dive into the innovators shaping the industry.
Meet the Industry Leaders
1. Beijing LeadTech Recycling Solutions
Founded in 2005, Beijing LeadTech has grown from a small local operation to a global name in lead recycling. What sets them apart? Their lead acid battery breaking and separation system is a game-changer. Designed to handle up to 2,500 kg per hour, this system efficiently separates lead paste, plastic, and acid, ensuring minimal waste and maximum recovery. “We don’t just recycle—we reimagine the process,” says CEO Li Wei. “Our clients in Europe and Southeast Asia often tell us our equipment cuts their operational costs by 30% while meeting the strictest EU emission standards.”
Beyond batteries, LeadTech’s lead refinery machine equipment is renowned for its precision. Their medium frequency induction furnaces, for example, heat lead paste to the perfect temperature for reduction, resulting in 99.99% pure lead—ideal for automotive and industrial use. With a 2024 revenue of $120 million and a client base spanning 40+ countries, LeadTech isn’t just leading in China; it’s setting benchmarks worldwide.
2. Shanghai EcoRecycle Technologies
If there’s one company that prioritizes the planet as much as profit, it’s Shanghai EcoRecycle. Established in 2010, they’ve made a name for themselves with their air pollution control system for lead battery recycling plants . “We started when we noticed many refineries were ignoring emissions—we wanted to prove you can recycle without harming the air we breathe,” explains Chief Environmental Officer Zhang Mei. Their system uses a multi-stage filtration process, including electrostatic precipitators and activated carbon beds, to reduce harmful particulates by over 99.7%.
EcoRecycle’s portfolio also includes top-tier hydraulic press machines equipment , used to compact lead scrap into briquettes for easier melting. A recent project with a major automaker in Guangdong saw them install a full recycling line that processes 1,500 kg of lead acid batteries daily, with zero wastewater discharge. “Our clients don’t just get equipment—they get peace of mind,” Zhang adds. With a focus on R&D (they invest 15% of revenue into new tech), EcoRecycle is poised to stay at the forefront of green recycling.
3. Guangzhou GreenMetals Engineering
Guangzhou GreenMetals is all about versatility. Since 2008, they’ve specialized in not just lead, but a range of recycling solutions—and their circuit board recycling equipment is a standout. Their WCBD-2000A plant, with a dry separator, processes 500-2000 kg of circuit boards hourly, extracting copper, gold, and lead with pinpoint accuracy. “Circuit boards are electronic goldmines, but they’re tricky to recycle,” says Technical Director Chen Hao. “Our dry separation technology uses air classification and electrostatic separation, so there’s no water waste—unlike traditional wet processes.”
Lead recycling remains their bread and butter, though. Their rotary furnace for paste reduction is a favorite among large-scale refineries, thanks to its energy efficiency (it uses 20% less power than standard furnaces) and quick heating time. GreenMetals also offers turnkey solutions—from design to installation—making them a one-stop shop for businesses new to recycling. With clients in Australia and Africa, they’re proving that Chinese engineering can solve global recycling challenges.
4. Shenzhen PowerCycle Innovations
Shenzhen PowerCycle is where innovation meets speed. Founded in 2015, this young company has disrupted the industry with its portable solutions, like the portable briquetting machine PHBM-004 . Designed for small-scale operations, this compact machine compresses metal powder into briquettes—perfect for remote mines or workshops with limited space. “We saw a gap in the market for portable equipment,” says founder Wang Jun. “Our PHBM series weighs just 80 kg, runs on standard electricity, and can produce 50 kg of briquettes per hour. Miners in Inner Mongolia tell us it’s transformed their workflow.”
But don’t let their size fool you—PowerCycle also handles large projects. Their lead acid battery breaking and separation system is modular, meaning clients can start small (500 kg/hour) and scale up as needed. A recent installation in Vietnam now processes 1,000 kg/hour, and the client reports a 95% lead recovery rate. With a focus on user-friendly design (their equipment comes with touchscreen controls and remote monitoring), PowerCycle is making recycling accessible to everyone.
5. Hangzhou EcoLead Systems
Hangzhou EcoLead has built its reputation on precision. Since 2003, they’ve specialized in de-sulfurization machines equipment —a critical step in lead recycling that removes sulfur from lead paste, ensuring the final product is pure and safe. “Sulfur is the enemy of high-quality lead,” explains Chief Chemist Liu Jia. “Our de-sulfurization units use a proprietary chemical process that reduces sulfur content to less than 0.01%, which is why automotive manufacturers love our lead.”
EcoLead’s filter press equipment is another standout. Used to separate lead paste from acid, their presses feature automatic cake discharge and high-pressure filtration, cutting labor costs by 40%. A refinery in Shandong using their full line of equipment now processes 3,000 tons of lead acid batteries monthly, with 98% of the plastic casing also recycled into new battery shells. “We believe in a closed-loop system,” Liu adds. “Nothing leaves our clients’ plants as waste—it all gets reused.”
6. Chengdu MetalMasters Machinery
Chengdu MetalMasters is a problem-solver at heart. Established in 2012, they’ve made a name for tough-to-recycle materials—like cable recycling equipment . Their WCD-200C machine strips and shreds scrap cables, separating copper, aluminum, and lead with ease. “Cables are messy—insulation, different metals, sometimes even rubber,” says Sales Director Zhao Lin. “Our machine uses a combination of mechanical cutting and air separation, so you get clean metal fractions every time.”
Lead recycling is equally impressive. Their hydraulic cutter equipment is built to handle thick battery casings and metal sheets, with a cutting force of 500 tons. “We tested it on a 10mm lead plate—sliced through like butter,” Zhao laughs. MetalMasters also offers training for operators, ensuring clients get the most out of their equipment. With a 98% customer retention rate, it’s clear their focus on support sets them apart.
7. Wuhan RecyclePro Industries
Wuhan RecyclePro is all about efficiency. Since 2007, they’ve streamlined lead recycling with their dry process equipment , which eliminates the need for water in separation—critical for water-scarce regions. “Traditional wet processes use 10,000 liters of water per ton of batteries,” says CEO Huang Bo. “Our dry system uses air classification and magnetic separation, so it’s both eco-friendly and cost-effective.”
Their single shaft shredder equipment is a workhorse, too. Designed to pre-shred battery casings and metal scrap, it can handle 1,500 kg/hour with minimal noise (under 85 dB). A client in宁夏 (Ningxia) reports that since switching to RecyclePro’s dry process line, their water bills have dropped by 60%, and they’ve reduced their carbon footprint by 35%. “Efficiency isn’t just about speed—it’s about doing more with less,” Huang notes.
8. Nanjing EcoMachines Group
Nanjing EcoMachines Group is a leader in complete recycling plants. Founded in 2001, they offer turnkey solutions for lead acid battery recycling, from battery breaking to lead refining. Their lead acid battery recycling plant includes everything: a breaking system, paste collection, de-sulfurization unit, furnace, and air pollution control system. “We handle the project from start to finish,” says Project Manager Lin Tao. “A client in Brazil wanted a plant that could process 500 kg/hour—we delivered it in 6 months, and they were operational within a week of installation.”
Their air pollution control system equipment is particularly noteworthy. Using a combination of scrubbers, bag filters, and catalytic converters, it removes 99.9% of sulfur dioxide and particulates, meeting even the strictest US EPA standards. “Eco-friendliness isn’t optional anymore,” Lin adds. “Our clients know that investing in clean technology protects their reputation and the planet.”
9. Xi’an LeadCycle Technologies
Xi’an LeadCycle is a rising star, thanks to its focus on lithium-ion battery recycling—an area where lead often coexists with other metals. Founded in 2018, they’ve developed a lithium battery breaking and separation system that processes 500-2500 kg/hour, extracting lead, cobalt, and lithium. “Lithium batteries are the future, but they’re complex,” says Founder Wu Qian. “Our system uses low-temperature pyrolysis to break down the battery, then mechanical separation to recover valuable metals—including lead from the electrodes.”
Their hydraulic briquetter equipment is also popular, used to compact lead scrap into dense briquettes for melting. A recent partnership with a European e-waste recycler has them processing 10 tons of lithium batteries weekly, with lead recovery rates of 92%. “We’re bridging the gap between lead and lithium recycling,” Wu says. “The future is multi-material, and we’re ready for it.”
10. Qingdao MetalCycle Engineering
Rounding out our list is Qingdao MetalCycle, a company that excels in small to medium-scale operations. Since 2006, they’ve offered affordable, reliable equipment like their portable briquette machine PHBM-002 —a compact metal powder compressor perfect for workshops. “Not every business needs a massive plant,” says Sales Manager Sun Yi. “Our PHBM-002 costs a fraction of large briquetters, but it still compresses lead powder into dense briquettes that melt evenly in furnaces.”
Their motor stator cutter equipment is another hit, used to recycle lead from electric motor stators. The cutter precisely slices through the stator, separating copper windings and lead components without damaging the metal. “We focus on making recycling accessible,” Sun adds. “A small repair shop in Gansu bought one of our cutters and now recycles 50 motors a month—turning waste into extra income.”
How Do They Stack Up? A Quick Comparison
| Company | Core Products | Key Strength | Global Reach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing LeadTech | Lead acid battery breaking system, lead refinery machines | High-capacity processing (2,500 kg/hour) | 40+ countries |
| Shanghai EcoRecycle | Air pollution control systems, hydraulic presses | 99.7% emission reduction | Europe, Southeast Asia |
| Guangzhou GreenMetals | Circuit board recycling equipment, rotary furnaces | Dry separation (no water waste) | Australia, Africa |
| Shenzhen PowerCycle | Portable briquetting machines, modular battery systems | Compact, user-friendly design | Vietnam, Mongolia |
| Hangzhou EcoLead | De-sulfurization units, filter presses | Low sulfur lead (0.01%) | Shandong, domestic |
| Chengdu MetalMasters | Cable recycling machines, hydraulic cutters | Tough material handling | Domestic, Southeast Asia |
| Wuhan RecyclePro | Dry process equipment, single shaft shredders | Waterless recycling | Ningxia, domestic |
| Nanjing EcoMachines | Turnkey lead recycling plants, pollution control systems | Complete project management | Brazil, US |
| Xi’an LeadCycle | Lithium battery recycling systems, hydraulic briquetters | Multi-material recovery (lead + lithium) | Europe |
| Qingdao MetalCycle | Portable briquette machines, motor stator cutters | Affordable small-scale solutions | Domestic, small businesses |
The Future of Lead Recycling in China
As we look to 2025 and beyond, one thing is clear: China’s lead refiners are not just keeping up with global trends—they’re setting them. From air pollution control systems that set new环保 standards to portable equipment that makes recycling accessible to small businesses, these companies are proving that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.
The industry’s future will likely see even more innovation: smarter automation, better multi-material recycling, and a focus on circular economies where nothing is wasted. And with these top 10 companies leading the way, the future looks bright—for lead recycling, and for the planet.
Whether you’re in the market for a full recycling plant or a compact briquetter, these refiners offer solutions that blend cutting-edge technology with a commitment to the environment. After all, in the world of recycling, the best companies don’t just process metal—they build a better future.
