Battery Council International is a not-for-profit trade association established to promote the interests of the battery manufacturing and recycling industry. As the industry’s principal association, BCI’s member services have a global impact.
Member Benefits
BCI members are engaged in every facet of the industry: Lead battery manufacturers and recyclers, marketers and retailers, suppliers of raw materials and equipment and expert consultants. Through advocacy, communications, education, collaboration and research, BCI supports the growth and success of our member companies and their employees.
Download the BCI membership brochure for an in-depth look at BCI member programming.
Advocate for the Industry
BCI is dedicated to informing lawmakers of key issues that impact the future of the lead battery industry. BCI regularly represents members on issues with the potential to affect lead battery manufacturers and recyclers at the local and state levels. In addition, BCI represents the industry before the U.S. Congress and federal and state regulatory bodies. BCI defends the industry’s record of safety and sustainability from multiple fronts, including ongoing attempts to outright ban lead batteries. Learn more about BCI’s current advocacy initiatives here.
Keeping the Industry Informed
With the assistance of BCI committee members, BCI publishes books and manuals that are critical for individuals in the industry. BCI members receive discounts to these industry publications:
Lead Battery Replacement Data Book: Regarded as the premier publication for the industry, the Data Book contains information and listings of group numbers and specifications for batteries used in domestic and foreign automobiles, trucks and more. The Data Book is updated and revised annually.
Source BCI: The digital version of the Data Book, Source BCI contains everything in the printed version, plus battery data from industrial road and miscellaneous equipment, power scrubbers and aerial lifts. Source BCI is updated and revised quarterly, and can be accessed via the website or mobile app.
Statistics Program: The go-to source for automotive and industrial battery shipment volumes, and is the only North American source of battery shipment volumes based on data provided by battery manufacturers. This exclusive set of data is updated monthly and allows BCI members to benchmark their performance to make informed decisions on the market.
The Battery Labeling Manual: This manual of recommended practices provides information on hazard warnings and other markings for lead batteries and packaging, as well as labeling and testing requirements for acid packs, for use in the U.S. and its major trading partners. The labeling recommendations reflect major nationally and internationally adopted laws and standards governing health, safety, and the environment, as of January 2020. This manual is available digitally.
The Battery Technical Manual: This reference book is prepared for users of automotive industrial-type lead batteries with specific references to laboratory analyses and test methods for evaluation of battery performance, major component parts and raw materials used in their construction. This manual is available digitally.
The Battery Service Manual: This publication focuses on battery theory, including construction, testing methods, proper maintenance, installation and problem handling. The information is compiled by engineers of the BCI Technical Committee. The 14th edition is available digitally.
The Energy Beacon: A monthly, members-only electronic newsletter, The Energy Beacon keeps members up-to-date on the state of the lead battery industry and BCI’s advocacy initiatives that helps members make informed decisions for their companies.
Educating the Public
BCI is committed to informing both consumers and industry professionals of the safety, essentiality, sustainability and reliability of lead batteries. Additionally, BCI gathers and reports industry statistics that reflect the vibrant state of the industry. Our consumer resources help to improve the perception of lead batteries to the everyday consumer.
The Lithium Battery Training Toolkit was created in an effort to decrease and ultimately eliminate lithium batteries from entering the lead battery recycling stream which poses a threat to lead battery recyclers’ employees and equipment.
The National Recycling Rate Study, a biennial study commissioned by BCI, concludes that lead batteries have a recycling rate of 99%, making them the most recycled consumer product in the U.S. The study speaks to the commitment of the lead battery industry to provide safe, sustainable energy storage.
The Economic Impact Study, titled Economic Contribution of the U.S. Lead Battery Industry, was released in 2019 and reports that the U.S. lead battery industry contributed $26.3 billion in total economic output to the national economy. The findings demonstrate the economic benefits lead battery manufacturers and recyclers provide to thousands of American workers and their communities.
“As a Canadian manufacturer, BCI’s continued stewardship and regulatory efforts, in conjunction with international collaborations with Erobat and ILA, are immensely valuable to our organization. It allows us to keep a pulse on changing industry dynamics to ensure our company is poised to seize opportunities and tackle challenges.”
James Surrette, President, Surrette Battery Co., Ltd.
Make Connections at BCI Events
BCI’s in-person events offer members the opportunity to exchange ideas and views with other industry professionals from around the world.
Each year, over 600 lead battery industry executives gather at the industry’s premier event, the BCI Convention + Power Mart Expo, for three days of networking and exposure to valuable industry knowledge. Past convention presentations have included global regulatory and legislative updates, lead market analysis, the BCI Failure Mode Study, and industrial and transportation batteries outlooks.
Every other year, BCI hosts the Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Conference where attendees learn about important advancements and changes in the industry through in-depth presentations and interactive sessions focused on workplace practices, human resource policies, equipment design, reducing employee blood lead levels and more.
BCI members can continue to cultivate their industry connections through BCI’s online member directory. Search for contacts by company, name, job title, membership type and more.
“BCI plays a critical role in the advancement of the global circular economy for lead batteries and provides clarity for its members in the evolving regulatory and legislative initiatives. As a cohesive council, BCI brings together our industry leaders to maximize best practices and provide support for all members.”
David Shaffer, Director, President & CEO, EnerSys Inc.
Powering Your Business
As a BCI member, you’ll have access to these exclusive benefits and services. Join today to start investing in your business and the industry as a whole.
The lead acid battery ... is legendary. We can recycle 95+ percent of [these] batteries all across the world. It's a very safe chemistry, ... [and] we understand how to use it very, very well.