Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) battery recycling in Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia is a diagnostics site: Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) packs arrive here from intake yards for module-level capacity, resistance and impedance testing, which decides reuse or refining.
Pack value at 80% SOH
3,545 USD
Hybrid Split
Second-life share
47%
At 80% SOH
Site capacity
22,000 TPA
Cell Grading & Diagnostics
Cities served
0
From Atlanta, Georgia
Where a Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) pack goes from Atlanta, Georgia
- 1
Collected via Detroit, Michigan
Whole packs enter the network at Detroit — Michigan Closed-Loop Plant, 961 km away, where they are weighed and de-energised.
- 2
Module grading at Atlanta, Georgia
All 3 modules are tested for capacity, DC resistance and impedance, then assigned grade A to D.
- 3
Second life at Gothenburg, Sweden
At 80% SOH about 47% of the pack qualifies for reuse and goes to Gothenburg — Nordic Second-Life Campus (7,243 km). Moderate — structural pack bonding limits module harvesting; cell-level grading required.
- 4
Refined at Reno, Nevada
Remaining modules are shredded to black mass and refined at Reno — Nevada Hydrometallurgy Refinery, 3,203 km away.
| Stage | Facility | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Nearest intake yard | Detroit — Michigan Closed-Loop Plant | 961 km |
| Nearest second-life works | Gothenburg — Nordic Second-Life Campus | 7,243 km |
| Nearest refinery | Reno — Nevada Hydrometallurgy Refinery | 3,203 km |
Faster option
Inside the Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) battery
The Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) (2022) carries a 82 kWh NMC 811 Cylindrical 4680 pack with 3 modules at 355 V, weighing roughly 418 kg. Structural tabless format requiring specialised disassembly cells. High nickel yields offset elevated processing cost.
| Service year | SOH | Grade | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 2 | 94.2% | A — BESS ready | USD 4,607 |
| Year 4 | 89.9% | A — BESS ready | USD 4,425 |
| Year 6 | 85.6% | A — BESS ready | USD 4,162 |
| Year 8 | 81.3% | B — Second life | USD 3,674 |
| Year 10 | 77% | B — Second life | USD 3,281 |
What the chemistry means here
How it ages
Fade mechanisms mirror other NMC 811 cells. The tabless design lowers internal resistance and heat generation, which can slow resistance growth relative to older cylindrical formats.
Thermal behaviour
4680 cells carry the same high-nickel chemistry as 2170s but in a larger can with more energy per cell, so a single failing cell releases more heat. Structural packs also make it harder to isolate an individual failing cell during handling.
Handling NMC 811 (4680)
Collecting a Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) pack
82 kWh, 3 modules, about 418 kg — this is how the Atlanta, Georgia team plans the job.
Removal
Packs are dropped on a vehicle lift using the OEM procedure and a rated battery table, then isolated at the service disconnect.
Packaging
One pack per UN-rated pallet box, strapped and restrained, with terminals capped and coolant ports sealed.
Consolidation
Dealer and workshop returns are consolidated into full truckloads, typically eight or more packs per run.
Before the truck arrives
- Pull the service disconnect and record pack voltage
- Drain or cap coolant lines before lifting
- Photograph the pack casing and any impact damage
- Keep the VIN and pack serial together on the manifest
Atlanta, Georgia site notes
- Fleet depots across the south-east can book consolidated pickups to share transport cost.
- Send serial lists so grading reports map directly to your asset records.
- Damaged or recalled packs must be declared so they ship under the correct DOT provisions.
- Shrink-wrap pallets and label them with the correct UN numbers before collection.
What this pack yields
lithium
4.49 kg
nickel
29.01 kg
cobalt
2.91 kg
manganese
3.03 kg
copper
12.26 kg
aluminium
14.08 kg
Refining-route estimate at 80% SOH. Measured module health on the bench sets the final split.
Rules in United States
EPA universal waste rules, DOT hazardous materials regulations and state programmes
Regulator: EPA, DOT PHMSA and state environmental agencies
The centre operates under Georgia Environmental Protection Division requirements and manages spent lithium-ion batteries under the US EPA universal waste framework where applicable. Transport follows US DOT hazardous materials rules for lithium batteries.
Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) in Atlanta, Georgia: common questions
Can I drop off a Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) battery at Atlanta, Georgia?
Atlanta, Georgia is a cell grading & diagnostics and does not accept whole packs from customers. Book a collection and the pack enters the network at Detroit, Michigan, 961 km away.
What happens to Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) modules after Atlanta, Georgia?
Collected via Detroit, Michigan, then Module grading at Atlanta, Georgia, then Second life at Gothenburg, Sweden, then Refined at Reno, Nevada. At 80% SOH roughly 47% of the pack goes to second life and the rest is refined.
How should a Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) pack be prepared for pickup?
Pull the service disconnect and record pack voltage. Drain or cap coolant lines before lifting. Photograph the pack casing and any impact damage. Keep the VIN and pack serial together on the manifest.
Which rules apply to Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) recycling in United States?
EPA universal waste rules, DOT hazardous materials regulations and state programmes, overseen by EPA, DOT PHMSA and state environmental agencies. Shipments follow DOT PHMSA 49 CFR requirements, with damaged or defective batteries under stricter special permits and packaging.
Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) at other sites
Other passenger packs at Atlanta, Georgia
Retiring Tesla Model Y (4680 Structural) packs near Atlanta, Georgia?
Share pack counts and condition. The despatch desk confirms a collection window within one working day and sends the right packaging.