Top 10 Lithium-Ion Battery Crushing and Separation Equipment Suppliers in the United Kingdom

Founded in 2010 in Manchester, EcoCycle Solutions has grown from a small startup to a leader in sustainable recycling tech. What sets them apart? Their obsession with li battery recycling equipment that doesn’t just work—but works safely . Lithium-ion batteries are notoriously tricky to handle (think fire risks and toxic fumes), so EcoCycle’s systems come with built-in fire suppression and advanced dust control.

Their flagship product, the EcoLi-Crush 2500, is a beast: a fully automated crushing and separation line that processes 500–2500 kg of batteries per hour. It uses a dry separation method to avoid water waste, and integrates seamlessly with their air pollution control system equipment to capture 99% of harmful emissions. “We worked with a major EV manufacturer last year to set up a recycling plant in Birmingham,” says CEO Sarah Mills. “They were blown away by how little downtime we had—even with mixed battery types.”

Smaller recyclers aren’t left out, either. EcoCycle’s portable units, like the Mini-Crush 500, are perfect for workshops or small-scale operations. Lightweight but tough, they can handle up to 500 kg/hour and fit through standard doorways—no need for costly facility renovations.

Based in Leeds, Britannia Battery Recovery Systems has been a household name in UK recycling since 1998. While they started with lead-acid batteries, their lithium-ion line—launched in 2018—has quickly become their star product. The secret? They don’t just focus on crushing—they’ve mastered the separation part, which is where most recyclers lose valuable materials.

Their Li-Sep Pro series uses a combination of shredding, sieving, and electrostatic separation to sort battery components into pure streams: metal foils, plastics, and black mass (the powder containing lithium and other metals). “Our clients tell us the same thing: they’re getting 15% more recoverable lithium than with older systems,” explains technical director James Carter. “That’s a huge difference when you’re processing tons of batteries a day.”

Britannia also shines in customization. Need a system that works with circuit board recycling equipment (since many batteries come attached to electronics)? They’ll design a hybrid line that handles both. Last year, they partnered with a Scottish recycling co-op to build a facility that processes e-waste and batteries side by side—saving space and cutting costs.

If you’re looking for equipment that’s built to last, GreenGrit Machinery in Sheffield is your go-to. These folks take pride in their “no-nonsense” approach: heavy-duty steel frames, industrial-grade motors, and a 5-year warranty that’s practically unheard of in the industry. Their lithium-ion crushing line, the GritLi-400, is a favorite among scrap yards and recycling centers.

What makes the GritLi-400 special? Its dual-shaft shredder, which tears through battery casings without jamming, even when面对 (facing) tough materials like lithium iron phosphate. After shredding, a high-speed air classifier separates plastics from metal particles, and a magnetic separator pulls out ferrous metals. The result? Clean, sorted materials ready for refining. “We had a client in Cardiff who processes 10 tons of batteries a week,” says sales manager Tom Evans. “Their GritLi-400 has been running nonstop for 3 years—no major repairs, just regular maintenance. That’s the GreenGrit promise.”

And for recyclers on the move, their portable briquetting machine (the GritBriq 200) is a game-changer. Weighing just 800 kg, it can be towed to job sites to compress shredded battery materials into dense briquettes—making transport cheaper and safer. “A mobile recycler in Cornwall uses it to process batteries right at EV garages,” Tom adds. “No more hauling loose, risky battery waste across the country.”

CleanTech Engineering isn’t just about equipment—they’re about systems . Founded by a team of chemical engineers in 2015, this London-based firm specializes in turnkey recycling plants that handle everything from battery collection to material refining. Their lithium-ion processing lines are designed with one goal: zero waste.

Take their CleanLi-Process 3000, for example. It starts with a pre-shredder to break down battery packs, then uses a cryogenic freezing step to make lithium plates brittle and easy to separate. Next, a wet separation unit (yes, they use water, but they recycle it in a closed loop!) extracts fine particles, and their proprietary water process equipment ensures no contaminants leave the facility. “We worked with the Environment Agency to test this system,” says lead engineer Dr. Raj Patel. “The water we discharge is cleaner than the tap water in some parts of London!”

CleanTech also offers training and ongoing support—critical for recyclers new to lithium-ion processing. “Battery chemistry is always evolving,” Raj notes. “Last month, we updated a client’s software to handle the new high-nickel batteries in Teslas. They didn’t have to buy new hardware—just a quick upgrade. That’s how we build long-term partnerships.”

Based in Newcastle, NRT has deep roots in the UK’s industrial north. For over 25 years, they’ve built machines for the mining and waste sectors, so when lithium-ion recycling took off, they were ready to adapt their expertise. Their claim to fame? The NRT Li-Shear, a hydraulic cutter that makes short work of battery casings and wiring harnesses.

“Hydraulics are our bread and butter,” says operations manager Lisa Wong. “The Li-Shear uses 200-ton force to cut through steel and aluminum casings—no sparks, no mess. It’s perfect for pre-processing batteries before they hit the crusher.” And if you need to handle more than just batteries, NRT has you covered: their multi-purpose lines can switch between lithium-ion batteries, cable recycling equipment , and even small electronic devices like laptops.

What really wins clients over, though, is NRT’s after-sales service. “We have a 24/7 hotline, and our technicians can be on-site in the north within 4 hours,” Lisa adds. “A recycler in Aberdeen had a jam during a night shift last winter—we sent a team out at 2 AM, fixed it by dawn, and they didn’t miss a beat. That’s the NRT guarantee.”

For small to medium-sized recyclers, Sussex Sustainable Systems (SSS) is a godsend. This Brighton-based company specializes in compact, affordable equipment that doesn’t skimp on quality. Their bestseller, the SSS MicroCrush, is a tabletop crushing unit that processes 50–100 kg/hour—ideal for startups or workshops with limited space.

“We started SSS because we saw a gap,” says founder Mark Taylor. “Big suppliers were focused on giant plants, but what about the guy running a small e-waste recycling shop in Swansea? He can’t afford a £500k system. The MicroCrush costs a fraction of that and plugs into a standard 240V outlet.” Despite its size, the MicroCrush doesn’t cut corners on safety: it has a built-in thermal sensor that shuts down if temperatures rise too high (a common fire risk with lithium batteries).

SSS also offers a modular approach. Start with the MicroCrush, then add a separation unit or portable briquetting machine as your business grows. “A client in Bristol started with one MicroCrush in 2021,” Mark recalls. “Now they have three units and are expanding into battery recycling for local schools and businesses. That’s the kind of growth story we live for.”

MBT, based in Birmingham, is all about innovation. Their R&D team (housed in a former car factory) is constantly tweaking and improving their equipment—like their latest breakthrough: a dry separation system that uses AI to sort battery materials. “Traditional separators rely on size or density,” explains innovation lead Dr. Emma Clarke. “Ours uses cameras and machine learning to identify different metals and plastics in real time. It’s like giving the machine a pair of eagle eyes.”

The result? Their Li-Sort AI system recovers 95% of lithium from black mass, compared to the industry average of 85%. “We tested it with a university lab last year,” Emma says. “They couldn’t believe how precise it was—even separating cobalt from nickel, which are often mixed together.” MBT also integrates this tech with their air pollution control system equipment , using sensors to adjust airflow and filtration based on the type of battery being processed.

MBT isn’t just for big players, either. They offer a “Starter Pack” for small recyclers: a compact crusher, AI sorter, and basic pollution control system for under £100k. “We want to make advanced recycling accessible,” Emma adds. “The more recyclers we equip, the faster we’ll hit the UK’s battery recycling targets.”

Based in Edinburgh, CRI is Scotland’s answer to the lithium-ion recycling boom. What makes them unique? Their focus on circularity —designing equipment that uses recycled materials itself. “Our machines are made with 30% recycled steel,” says CEO Fiona MacLeod. “We even recycle the plastic packaging from our parts suppliers. It’s not just about processing batteries—it’s about walking the walk.”

Their flagship system, the CRI CircularLine, is a closed-loop marvel. It processes batteries, then uses the recycled plastics to make new machine parts, and the metals to fund community solar projects. “We partnered with a social enterprise in Glasgow last year,” Fiona notes. “They use our equipment to recycle batteries, and the profits go toward training young people in green jobs. It’s recycling with a purpose.”

CRI also specializes in cold crushing, a technique that reduces fire risks by keeping batteries frozen during processing. “Lithium reacts violently with heat, so we use liquid nitrogen to chill the system to -50°C,” Fiona explains. “It’s safer, and it makes the materials easier to separate. A client in Inverness told us their fire incidents dropped to zero after switching to our system.”

SWER, located in Bristol, has a simple mission: make lithium-ion recycling profitable for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). They know that for many recyclers, the upfront cost of equipment is a barrier—so they offer flexible financing and lease-to-own options. “We don’t want money to stand in the way of sustainability,” says sales director Mike Roberts. “If you can prove you have a steady supply of batteries, we’ll work with you to find a payment plan.”

Their most popular lease option is the SWER ProLine 1000, a mid-sized crushing and separation system that processes 1000 kg/hour. It’s designed for ease of use: a touchscreen interface with pre-programmed settings for different battery types (phone batteries, EV batteries, power tools). “A farmer in Devon leases one to recycle old solar storage batteries,” Mike says. “He’s not a tech guy, but he can run the system with just a quick tutorial. That’s intentional—we build for real people, not just engineers.”

SWER also offers a buyback program for the materials their clients recover. “If you’re a small recycler, finding buyers for black mass can be tough,” Mike adds. “We connect you with our network of refineries, so you’re guaranteed a fair price. It’s a win-win: you make money, and we keep materials in the circular economy.”

Rounding out our list is UBRS, a London-based supplier with a global reach. While they’re UK-founded, they’ve exported equipment to 20+ countries, including Germany, France, and Australia. Their secret? A focus on scalability. Whether you need a compact unit for a workshop or a full-scale plant processing 5 tons/day, UBRS can design a system that grows with you.

Their UBRS MegaLine is a behemoth: a fully automated plant with multiple crushers, separators, and air pollution control system equipment that can handle mixed battery chemistries (lithium-ion, lead-acid, nickel-metal hydride). “We built one for a recycling giant in Manchester last year,” says project manager Alex Chen. “It’s like a small factory under one roof—with robots loading batteries and AI monitoring every step. The operators just sit back and watch the dashboard.”

UBRS also invests heavily in R&D for emerging technologies, like solid-state battery recycling (the next big thing in EVs). “Solid-state batteries are safer, but they’ll require new recycling methods,” Alex notes. “We’re already testing prototypes, so our clients won’t be left behind when the tech hits the market.”