Resource Center
NMP Recycling: Bringing Circularity to Battery Manufacturing
Recycling spent N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP) from the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries benefits businesses and the environment. Learn how we do it.Byline: BTB Editor
August 21, 2024 / Time to read: 5 minN-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP) is a highly soluble material with a high flash point used in the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries. Battery manufacturers may use upwards of 10,000 to 20,000 gallons of NMP per month, leaving behind a large amount of byproduct that needs safe management. Recycling NMP reduces both the costs and environmental impact of buying and disposing of it.
Republic Services’ NMP Recycling Process
Republic Services has over 20 years of experience in offering a sustainable alternative to incineration, solidification and fuel blending to manage spent NMP. NMP creates a slurry with Cobalt (NMC) powder that is used to coat the electrodes of batteries. Once the slurry has been released onto the electrode plates, the material is cooled, condensed and collected as a waste byproduct.
We collect spent NMP in bulk from manufacturers and use a multi-stage distillation process to turn it into industrial-grade NMP. This product reenters the marketplace as a solvent for different applications including:
- Plastic Manufacturing: Line flushing during changeovers
- Paint Stripping: Dissolve multiple layers of paint
- Steel Printing: Remove color from the ink press
NMP recycling offers significant advantages to businesses and the environment.
Sustainable Solutions for the Lithium-Ion Manufacturing Sector
Two of the leading lithium-ion battery manufacturers serving the electric vehicle, mobility and IT spaces were looking to increase sustainability for their operations. Together, they produce 60,000 gallons of NMP annually.
Waste Recycled into Product
For the last 10 years, Republic Services has provided both customers with an alternative solution to incineration that is not only sustainable, but also manages and refines their NMP waste so it can reenter into the marketplace as a product. Instead of paying a significant amount to manage NMP as waste, they receive a rebate that contributes to their bottom line while decreasing generator status.
Turnkey Solution
While other providers offer a partial solution, Republic Services provides these customers with a turnkey approach that not only takes care of the resale but includes everything from pickup and transportation via bulk truck, certified wash, distillation and solidification, and disposal of any residual.
Quality Assurance
Republic Services’ in-house distillation process produces a quality industrial-grade end product, allowing us to guarantee a specific spec to the customers we supply. This helps to maintain long-term relationships in the product resale marketplace. We also provide tank telemetry monitoring and track volumes to automate pickup.
Customer Zeal
Having built strong relationships with the customers for over a decade, we have added services including
Maximize Recycling Efforts
Republic Services offers a wide range of
Join us in advancing circularity by choosing Republic Services for all your environmental services, recycling and waste needs. Learn more at
