Forest City, Missouri, April 22, 2026 — Element Resources recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Forest City, Missouri, recycling facility, marking five decades as a critical contributor to the North American circular economy for lead batteries. Since opening its doors in 1976, the Forest City plant has established itself as a cornerstone in Holt County, supporting approximately 100 employees, participating in community initiatives, and driving economic resilience in one of Missouri’s most rural regions.
Recognized by the Chamber of Commerce and Missouri Western State University as the largest employer in Holt County, Element Resource's Forest City plant plays an essential role in sustaining the region’s workforce and economy. The facility provides stable, long‑term employment in a rural area with few large businesses nearby, serving as a true economic anchor for the community.
A Key Player in the Lead Battery Circular Economy and Critical Mineral Recovery
Element Resources’ Forest City operation is an environmentally responsible lead battery recycling facility. Each year, the plant:
- Recycles approximately 2 million lead batteries
- Processes and produces approximately 35,000 tons of lead for reuse in new battery manufacturing
- Recycles approximately 2.5 million pounds of plastic
The facility’s recycling process captures critical minerals including lead, tin, antimony as well as plastic, supporting the North American circular economy for lead batteries and advancing domestic sourcing of critical minerals.
“For half a century, our Forest City facility has been closing the loop on battery materials,” said Chuck Giesige, General Manager. “Thanks to this team, millions of batteries reenter the supply chain every year, reducing waste and supporting the availability of critical minerals essential to our nation’s energy, industrial and transportation infrastructure.”
Commitment to Employee Safety
“The safety of Element Resources employees is a core value and is never compromised,” said Shawn Tackett, Plant Manager. “We’re proud to say that the Forest City plant has operated for over 1,800 days — nearly five years — without a lost‑time injury, a milestone that reflects the team’s deep commitment to safety and operational excellence.”
Commitment to Community Partnership
Throughout its history, the facility has been an active partner to Holt County by regularly supporting local schools, charities, and community organizations through both volunteerism and charitable contributions. Groups such as Rumble and The Refuge are among the many organizations that benefit from the team’s involvement.
“Community is at the heart of what we do,” said Tackett. “Our employees live here, raise families here, and give back here. That connection makes this milestone especially meaningful.”
As the Element Resources plant celebrates 50 years in Forest City, the company remains focused on continued investment in workforce development, environmental leadership and the expansion of domestic battery recycling capacity.
About Element Resources
Element Resources is one of the largest lead battery recycling operations in the United States, providing metal smelting and separation of polymers from metals services, with locations in Muncie, Indiana, and Forest City, Missouri. Element Resources recycles approximately 10 million lead batteries or 400 million pounds of lead batteries each year. Learn more at www.elementrellc.com.
Contact:
Erica England
Arketi Group
904.803.8808
eengland@arketi.com
arketi.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What milestone did Element Resources – Forest City celebrate, and why is it significant to Holt County?
The facility marked its 50th anniversary since opening in 1976, underscoring five decades as a major contributor to Holt County’s economy. Recognized by the Chamber of Commerce and Missouri Western State University as the county’s largest employer, the plant supports about 100 employees, provides stable, long-term jobs in a rural area with few large businesses, and actively partners with local schools, charities in the community.
What materials does the Forest City plant recycle, and at what scale?
Each year the plant recycles approximately 2 million lead batteries, processes and produces about 35,000 tons of lead for reuse in new battery manufacturing and recycles roughly 2.5 million pounds of plastic. Its process captures critical materials including lead, tin, antimony, and plastic.
How does the Forest City operation advance the lead battery circular economy and domestic critical mineral sourcing?
By “closing the loop” on battery materials, the facility returns millions of batteries to the supply chain annually. It recovers critical materials—lead, tin, antimony, and plastic—for reuse, reducing waste and supporting the domestic availability of minerals essential to the nation’s energy, industrial, and transportation infrastructure.
What is Element Resources’ safety record at the Forest City plant?
Safety is a core, uncompromised value. The plant has operated for over 1,800 days—nearly five years—without a lost-time injury, reflecting a strong culture of safety and operational excellence.
Where is Element Resources located?
Element Resources is one of the largest lead battery recyclers in the United States, with operations in Forest City, Missouri, and Muncie, Indiana.
What is the Element Resources’ overall recycling capacity?
Companywide, Element Resources recycles approximately 10 million lead batteries—or 400 million pounds of lead batteries—each year and provides metal smelting and separation of polymers from metals.