This extended abstract is based on a recently published paper by Umicore (Van Hoof G, Robertz B, Verrecht B, Metals 13:1915, 2023). Electric mobility requires a lot of critical raw materials like nickel, cobalt, and lithium. Recycling these materials from end-of-life batteries and production scrap is key for a sustainable and circular battery value chain. We present a carbon footprint analysis of two battery recycling flowsheets: Pyro-Hydro, a combination of battery smelting followed by further hydrometallurgical refining of the alloy, and Thermomechanical-Hydro, a combination of (thermo)mechanical pretreatment and further refining of the resulting black mass via hydrometallurgy. The analysis is based on a prospective life cycle assessment using primary data from engineering models and reflects the current state of the art. The results show that Pyro-Hydro leads to the lowest overall carbon footprint, but both flowsheets have challenges and opportunities for decarbonization (Neuman et al. Adv Energy Mater 12:2102917, 2022). The analysis also highlights the importance of accurately assessing the fate of the side streams, such as graphite and electrolyte, to gain a complete and objective view.