Zinc batteries have been used for over a century in industrial and consumer applications, including lighting, portable electronics, tools, and toys. Modern primary zinc batteries typically use Zn–C or Zn–MnO₂ (“alkaline”) chemistries, based on simple, non‑toxic materials such as steel, zinc, manganese, carbon, and potassium hydroxide. As non‑rechargeable systems, they are collected and recycled at end of life, with established processes efficiently recovering steel, zinc, and manganese when supported by organized national collection schemes.

Over the past two decades, rechargeable zinc batteries have increasingly entered energy storage markets, including renewables, grit load management, data centers, traffic control, and defence applications. In addition to rechargeable Zn–MnO₂, emerging and commercial chemistries include Zn–Br, Ni–Zn, Zn‑ion, and Zn‑air. These developments introduce new material streams and battery designs, often incorporating plastic components rather than metal casings. Consequently, new or adapted recycling technologies are required, with existing lithium battery recycling routes offering potential pathways for processing advanced zinc battery systems.