A method for recycling discarded batteries by chopping or crushing to recover reusable materials, the method comprising the steps, sorting a plurality of batteries into groups by battery technology; removing button-cell batteries from said groups; chopping said groups of batteries into pieces approximately one quarter inch or less, to produce final particle matter; removing ferro-magnetic material form said final particulate matter; transferring said final particulate matter to refining or smelting process to recover to recover reusable materials.