A breakthrough from Oak Ridge, Tennessee
In Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Evolve Renewable Materials (ERM) has reached a major milestone: the assembly of our first commercial demonstration system and facility for end-of-life Li-ion battery recycling. This system proves that advanced recycling technology can be both economically viable and environmentally responsible. Our goal is to build a circular economy for end-of-life batteries across the United States and to supply high-quality recycled materials to our customers.
Why recycling matters now
The International Council on Clean Transportation predicts that 1.2 million lithium-ion batteries will reach end-of-life in the US by 2030, rising to 50 million by 2050. Yet only 1–5 % of used lithium batteries are recycled, with the rest ending up in landfills or incinerators. That means millions of tonnes of valuable metals—including lithium, cobalt and nickel—are wasted. Recycling these batteries locally cuts pollution from mining and reduces dependence on imported materials.
Our technology makes the difference
Most battery recyclers rely on pyrometallurgy (burning) or mechanical pre-treatment prior to using chemical baths to extract metals. These methods create significant emissions and liquid waste. ERM’s patent-pending vacuum crushing vaporisation process eliminates burning the battery materials at high temperatures, captures the battery electrolytes, and off-gases, which are circulated and purified in our close-loop system ensuring environmentally superiority recycling outcomes. It delivers more than 90 % energy savings and reduces carbon emission by 135 Kg CO2e per tonne of recycled batteries, compared with conventional pre-treatment processes.
A system built for scalability
Our commercial demonstration facility in East Tennessee demonstrates that sustainable battery recycling can be scaled to meet growing demand. It showcases:
- Zero-waste recovery of battery materials during pre-processing
- Closed-loop recycling that keeps valuable materials in the domestic supply chain.
- Safety-first operations with stringent controls to prevent thermal runaway and fires.
- Scalable design that can be replicated in strategic locations across the US.
As we commission the pilot, we’ll collect real-world data on throughput, recovery rates and emissions. This data will inform the design of full-scale plants and help partners evaluate the commercial benefits of working with ERM.
Serving the United States and beyond
ERM is headquartered in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, with additional presence in Sydney, Australia. Our geographic reach allows us to support battery manufacturers, EV supply-chain partners, and retailers across multiple regions. We also operate a Li-Battery Drop‑Box program that places UN‑rated, Dept. of Transport (DOT) approved collection boxes in convenient retail locations nationwide. This program makes battery recycling simple for consumers while ensuring safe handling and transport.
Join us on our mission
We invite other recyclers, OEMs, CAM producers, chemical companies, battery manufacturers, and all other sustainability-minded businesses to partner with us. If your business is looking for:
- A safe, clean and circular battery recycling solution with reliable supply of recycled battery materials,
- Compliance with environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements,
- And a chance to lead the clean tech revolution,
Reach out to our team. Together, we can build a future where every lithium-ion battery is reborn as a new source of power.
Connect with ERM
- Get involved: Contact us through evolvematerials.com to discuss partnerships or pilot participation.
- Recycle responsibly: Sign up your store or office for our Li‑Battery Drop‑Box and help keep batteries out of landfills.
- Stay informed: Follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our newsletter for updates on the pilot, regulatory developments, and research insights.
By investing in local recycling infrastructure today, we can ensure a cleaner, more resilient energy future for Tennessee, the United States, and the world.