To solve the competitive facility location problem of new energy vehicle battery recycling outlets considering queuing theory, an Improved Human Learning Optimization (IHLO) algorithm was proposed. First, the competitive facility location model of new energy vehicle battery recycling outlets was constructed, which included queuing time constraints, capacity constraints, threshold constraints and other constraints. Then, considering that this problem belongs to NP-hard problem, in view of the shortcomings of Human Learning Optimization (HLO) algorithm, such as low convergence speed,optimization accuracy and solving stability in the early stage, IHLO algorithm was proposed by adopting elite population reverse learning strategy, group mutual learning operator and adaptive strategy of harmonic parameter. Finally, taking Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta as examples for numerical experiments, IHLO was compared with Improved Binary Grey Wolf Optimization (IBGWO) algorithm, Improved Binary Particle Swarm Optimization (IBPSO) algorithm, HLO and Human Learning Optimization based on Learning Psychology (LPHLO) algorithm. For large, medium and small scales, the experimental results show that IHLO algorithm has the best performance in 14 of the 15 indicators; compared with IBGWO algorithm, the solution accuracy of IHLO algorithm is improved by at least 0.13%, the solution stability is improved by at least 10.05%, and the solution speed is improved by at least 17.48%. The results show that the proposed algorithm has high computational accuracy and fast optimization speed, which can effectively solve the competitive facility location problem.