The global transition toward clean energy and electric mobility has placed lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) at the forefront of modern technological development. However, meeting the soaring demand for energy storage requires overcoming severe challenges related to material scarcity, high costs, and geopolitical supply chain vulnerabilities. Addressing these issues demands a dual strategy: innovating sustainable battery chemistries and establishing robust recycling infrastructures. In this direction, we have developed a spinel-based cathode material, which offer a cost-effective, cobalt-free alternative with superior stability and capacity. As well, we also developed an efficient zero waste recycling methodology designed to recover critical metals from spent batteries with high purity and yield. By coupling the synthesis of next-generation materials with advanced secondary resource recovery, this work provides a scalable pathway toward a truly circular battery economy