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Defence

The UK defence sector is undergoing a major transformation, with electrification, hybrid power and advanced battery systems now central to next-generation vehicles, logistics fleets, unmanned platforms, and field energy solutions.

As this shift accelerates, so does the need for robust, specialist support — particularly when it comes to the safe handling, transport and recycling of high-voltage lithium-ion batteries across defence applications.

Supporting the UK’s Defence Electrification Mission

The UK defence industry is entering a critical transition. Electrification, hybridisation and the use of advanced battery systems are reshaping everything from armoured vehicles and logistics fleets to unmanned systems and portable power units.

With this shift comes a new challenge: how to safely handle, transport and recycle high-voltage lithium-ion batteries used across defence applications.

  • The risk of battery fires and thermal runaway events is well-documented and rising.

  • Supply chains must remain secure, traceable and resilient, reducing dependency on overseas recycling and raw-material extraction. 

  • Policy now demands UK-based, circular-economy solutions to support national resilience and the government’s Net Zero defence objectives. 

Recyclus Group provides the UK’s first industrial-scale lithium-ion battery recycling infrastructure, designed to meet the stringent operational and security needs of the defence sector.

Our Defence Services

Here’s how we support you end-to-end:

Secure Collection, Storage & Transport

  • We provide safe collection, handling, and transportation of high-voltage lithium-ion vehicle battery assemblies.

  • For damaged or compromised packs, we offer specialist containment solutions (e.g., our UNP911-certified “LiBox” system) designed to reduce thermal-runaway risk on site or in transit.

  • Our logistics team works with you to ensure compliant ADR transport, proper documentation, and minimal disruption.

Controlled Dismantling & Pre-Treatment

    • Our Wolverhampton facility includes restricted-access dismantling bays for high-voltage systems.

    • We handle fire-damaged and compromised packs, including prototypes and defence-specific chemistries.

    • Assets are neutralised, disassembled, and safely prepared for material recovery in compliance with environmental and security directives.

Battery Recycling & Material Recovery

  • Industrial-scale recycling process converting lithium-ion waste into “black mass” containing lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese for reuse.

  • Enables closed-loop supply chains and reduces dependency on vulnerable overseas sources.

  • Supports defence sustainability reporting, ESG alignment, and secure domestic material retention.

Fire Risk Management & Safety Consultancy

  • Expert assessment and mitigation of lithium-ion fire and explosion hazards in workshops, depots, and vehicle storage facilities.
  • Guidance on containment, suppression, and safe isolation of suspect battery systems.
  • Customised training and compliance support for defence maintenance and logistics teams.

How It Works

Defence Process Flow

1. Arrange Collection

Arrange Collection

Arrange collection or deliver to our facility: we handle paperwork, transport, or receipt.

2. Initial Inspection

Initial Inspection

Initial inspection: assessment of battery pack condition (normal end-of-life, damaged, fire-affected).

3. Containment

Containment

Containment (if required): damaged/dangerous packs are placed in our specialised containment (LiBox) and stored in controlled conditions.

4. Safe Dismantling

Safe Dismantling

Safe dismantling: high-voltage team executes controlled dismantling and pre-treatment in line with safety standards.

5. Recycling & Recovery

Recycling & Recovery

Recycling & recovery: shredded, separated, and processed into black mass and other recoverable materials.

6. Certifications & Reporting

Certifications & Reporting

Certifications & reporting: full traceability provided, including certificates of destruction, material recovered, and environmental impact metrics.

5. Recycling & Recovery

Recycling & Recovery

Recycling & recovery: shredded, separated, and processed into black mass and other recoverable materials.

6. Certifications & Reporting

Certifications & Reporting

Certifications & reporting: full traceability provided, including certificates of destruction, material recovered, and environmental impact metrics.

Strategic Benefits for Defence Stakeholders

Operational Security

UK-based facility ensures sensitive materials are processed domestically with full traceability.

Compliance Assurance

Meets MOD, DEFRA, and environmental obligations under the UK Batteries Regulations and Net Zero commitments.

Supply Chain Resilience

Our recycling capabilities support greater material circularity and reduced dependency on volatile global supply chains.

Safety First

Expertise in handling fire-damaged or thermally compromised batteries reduces on-site risk.

Secure & Confidential Battery Handling for Sensitive Products

Recyclus provides specialised handling for confidential waste streams and next-generation product trials, ensuring security, discretion and full compliance at every stage.

Our facility is equipped to process:

  • Batteries from confiscated or restricted items, received through approved waste partners

  • Prototype, pre-production and next-generation devices from automotive, robotics, electronics and industrial sectors

  • Development batteries used in R&D labs, engineering teams and controlled testing programmes

  • Sensitive equipment requiring secure destruction, full audit trails and verified recycling outcomes

All confidential materials are managed under secure processes with:

  • Controlled access zones

  • Full chain-of-custody tracking

  • Secure destruction certificates

  • Non-disclosure aligned handling for sensitive technologies

This ensures high-risk or confidential battery waste — whether from law-enforcement seizures or cutting-edge engineering trials — is processed safely, discreetly and in full compliance with UK regulation.

Why Recyclus Group?

  • We offer tailored services for defence — from safe storage/transport through to full recycling and material recovery.

 

  • We provide full traceability, environmental credentials, and circular economy alignment.

    • We are the UK’s first industrial-scale lithium-ion battery recycler.

     

    • Our Wolverhampton facility is fully operational and processing large volumes of Li-ion batteries.

     

    • We have experience with battery packs from the Ministry of Defence, showcasing our specialist capability.

    Find Your Bespoke Solution

    Call Us

    +44 (0) 1902 287561

    Email Us

    [email protected]

    HQ Address

    Lincoln Street,
    Wolverhampton,
    WV10 0DX