America’s Battery Breakthrough: A Jolt for Recycling

American Battery Technology and Call2Recycle team up to strengthen lithium-ion recycling and U.S. energy independence

11 Nov 2025

Two major players in the U.S. battery industry are joining forces to strengthen the nation’s clean energy infrastructure. American Battery Technology Company and Call2Recycle announced a partnership in late September 2025 to improve how lithium-ion batteries are collected, processed, and reused, an effort aimed at advancing a more sustainable and resilient energy system.

For years, one of the biggest obstacles in the battery sector has been the efficient collection of used batteries. Even as electric vehicles and portable electronics proliferate, only a small share of spent batteries make it to recycling facilities. The new alliance seeks to close that gap by linking Call2Recycle’s nationwide network of drop-off points with American Battery Technology’s advanced recycling operations. If the model proves successful, it could significantly increase domestic recovery of key materials such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt, essential components for batteries powering the clean energy transition.

“This collaboration bridges the gap between collection and recovery,” said Ryan Melsert, chief executive of American Battery Technology. “It’s about creating a true circular economy for batteries in the U.S., where nothing valuable goes to waste.” Industry analysts say the partnership could set a national benchmark as automakers and manufacturers move toward more sustainable supply chains.

The U.S. has lagged behind Europe and China in developing large-scale battery recycling systems, but the partnership signals an effort to catch up. By combining technical innovation with logistical reach, the two organizations hope to play a leading role in a market expected to expand rapidly as millions of electric vehicle batteries reach the end of their life cycles in the coming years.

Challenges persist, including the safe handling of varied battery types and the volatility of metal markets. Yet observers describe the initiative as a milestone for an industry seeking to reduce waste, recover valuable materials, and create domestic jobs. As the demand for cleaner technologies grows, the collaboration reflects how early coordination across sectors can turn an environmental challenge into a strategic advantage and a step toward a more circular, sustainable U.S. energy future.