A lot of different so called technological metals are processed within modern secondary battery systems. These metals and their compounds have a great economic influence on the European Union and also for Austria. Recycling of used batteries can help to overcome a risk of supply regarding these elements. The development of a recycling process for the rare earths, nickel, cobalt or other elements with a high value is a first step towards this direction. Based on former developments a hydrometallurgical process was originated to reprocess used nickel-metal hydride batteries. This technique produces low amounts of waste and helps to save resources. An extraction of rare earth compounds with high purity was achieved. Also nickel, cobalt and iron in different compounds were extracted. Next to NiMH batteries also lithium ion batteries from the automotive context were processed with a new procedure. The main focus lied on the adjustment of the parameters for the deactivation and inertisation of the cells and modules. Also the necessary data for the dimensioning of an industry sized plant was gathered. Another goal was the achievement of the necessary recycling quotas from the European Union. A combination of both developments leads to recycling strategies for further areas of application. For example, magnetic components from the electronic industry were processed to recover the contained rare earths and gold.