Blue Whale CEO to Keynote Battery Recycling Conference

Robert Kang will share insights on the rapidly evolving battery recycling industry at the June event in Nashville.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:52am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a polished metal lithium-ion battery cell, a handful of cobalt-colored crystals, and a sleek, geometric nickel-plated object, conceptually representing the materials and processes involved in battery recycling.As the battery recycling industry evolves, leaders like Blue Whale CEO Robert Kang will share valuable insights on navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead.Bartlesville Today

The organizers of the Battery and Universal Waste Recycling Conference have announced that Robert Kang, co-founder and CEO of Oklahoma-based lithium-ion battery recycler Blue Whale Materials, will deliver the opening keynote address at the 2026 edition of the event in Nashville, Tennessee.

Why it matters

As the battery recycling industry continues to grow rapidly to meet demand, Kang's insights on the challenges and changes facing the sector will be valuable for attendees looking to stay ahead of the curve.

The details

At Blue Whale's facility in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, the company processes up to 14,000 tons per year of lithium-ion battery scrap, producing a material called Blacksand that contains high concentrations of lithium, cobalt and nickel for use by refiners, battery manufacturers and other recyclers.

  • The Battery and Universal Waste Recycling Conference will take place on June 8-9, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.
  • Robert Kang will deliver the opening keynote address on the first day of the conference.

The players

Robert Kang

Co-founder and CEO of Blue Whale Materials, an Oklahoma-based lithium-ion battery recycler.

Blue Whale Materials

An Oklahoma-based company that operates a facility designed to process up to 14,000 tons per year of lithium-ion battery scrap, producing a material called Blacksand that contains high concentrations of lithium, cobalt and nickel.

Recycling Today Media Group

The organizers of the Battery and Universal Waste Recycling Conference.

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The takeaway

The upcoming Battery and Universal Waste Recycling Conference in Nashville will provide a valuable platform for industry leaders like Robert Kang to share their expertise and insights on the rapidly evolving battery recycling landscape, helping attendees navigate the challenges and opportunities in this fast-growing sector.