Packaging And Shipping Requirements For Battery Disposal

This blog addresses packaging and shipping requirements for disposing of specific types of batteries. Q&As include:

1. What is the general EPA guidance for disposing of batteries?
2. What are lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries?
3. How do you properly dispose of small quantities of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries?
4. How do you properly dispose of large quantities of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries?
5. Can you recycle large quantities of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries?
6. What are nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMHs)?
7. How do you properly dispose of small quantities of nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMHs)?
8. How do you dispose of large quantities of nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMHs)?
9. What are lead-acid batteries?
10. How do you properly dispose of a lead-acid battery?
11. How do you properly dispose of large quantities of lead-acid batteries?
12. Where can you get comprehensive advice & help for disposing of old batteries?

1. What is the general EPA guidance for disposing of batteries?

Batteries fall into an EPA category called “universal waste,” which is anything listed in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Therein, in Part 273, reside five types of universal waste: batteries, pesticides, lamps (e.g., fluorescents), aerosol cans, and things that contain mercury (e.g., thermometers). Batteries are guilty for containing lithium, silver ion, nickel, cadmium, mercury-oxide, or sealed lead-acid. (See source.)

These five kinds of waste are so ubiquitous in the environment, and they’re generated by so many entities big and small (from single-parent households to ginormous industrial plants), that imposing the full breadth of hazmat regulations upon them would be so onerous as to invite noncompliance.

Thus, the EPA created the “universal waste” subcategory for certain kinds of hazardous waste that are commonly generated by households, businesses, and industry—along with regulations to streamline the hazardous waste management rules that surround them.

2. What are lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries?

Lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion) are commonly found in portable electronics (e.g., cell phones and laptops). Although relatively expensive, they pack a lot of energy for their size & weight, with comparatively good high-temperature performance, and have a low self-discharge rate (meaning they don’t go dead while sitting around doing nothing). Most Li‑ion components are recyclable, but as the recovery cost can be prohibitive, to date they’re not being collected by manufacturers for recycling (see Q.5). Instead, they’re typically disposed of after use. (See source.)

3. How do you properly dispose of small quantities of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries?

For small (household) quantities of Li-ion batteries, the EPA discourages tossing them into everyday trash or recycling bins. Ditto for incinerating them in your backyard. Instead, they should be taken to a separate neighborhood recycling or hazardous waste collection point.

4. How do you properly dispose of large quantities of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries?

There are no federal regulations for disposing of large amounts of Li-ion batteries. Individual states or localities usually have their own guidelines.

In most places, large (commercial or industrial) quantities of Li-ion batteries must be sent to a properly approved and permitted treatment, storage, and disposal facility (TSDF) to be incinerated there.

In preparation, the batteries must be fully discharged, meaning they hold less than two volts measured at C/100 (where C is the rated capacity of the battery in amp-hours). In plainer English, this means they are no longer capable of holding 2+ volts with a load current of 100 amps for 60 minutes.

Battery contacts should be taped (or the batteries otherwise packaged) so as to prevent them from accidentally coming together, which can cause a fire. (See source.)

5. Can you recycle large quantities of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries?

Not really. Li-ion batteries are not presently being collected by manufacturers for recycling because recovering their reusable constituents is cost prohibitive. That said, depending on how you count, there are two or three recycling methods for Li-ion batteries. Two are polar opposites and the third is a compromise between the two. They are:

1. Smelting. This method is an eco-embarrassment for being energy‑intensive. It uses high temperatures to recover basic elements from Li-ion and NiMH batteries. Organic materials are burned off, leaving valuable metals for later refining. Any other materials (e.g., lithium) are contained in the remaining “slag,” which can be used as an additive in other products (e.g., concrete).
2. Direct recovery. This is a low-temperature process with less-prodigious energy requirements but it’s labor-intense. Batteries are disassembled into thousands of cells, which are then treated with supercritical CO2, an industrial solvent, to extract the electrolytes. The cells are then disassembled, broken, and sorted in order to collect reusable materials.
3. Intermediate processes. Facilities might accept multiple kinds of batteries at the same time and use both direct recovery and smelting methods at different operational points to collect valuable recyclables.

6. What are nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMHs)?

Nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMH) are typically found in computers and medical equipment. Automotive versions are used to provide electricity for hybrid vehicles in lieu of the lead-acid kind, mostly because they have a longer life cycle and can take more abuse. Unfortunately, NiMH batteries are expensive, prone to self-discharge, and generate a lot of heat. (See source.)

7. How do you properly dispose of small quantities of nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMHs)?

Small (household) quantities of spent NiMH batteries shouldn’t be thrown into your everyday garbage. Instead, many cities, towns, and communities operate household hazardous waste collection programs that accept spent batteries of virtually all kinds.

Many retailers who sell NiMH batteries participate in a battery takeback program. (E.g., The Home Depot has recycling bins where you can toss old batteries.) In some states, battery retailers are compelled to participate in a battery takeback program by law (see source). You can check if yours is one of them here.

8. How do you dispose of large quantities of nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMHs)?

Large (commercial or industrial) quantities of NiMH batteries must be taken to a specialized battery recycler or to a properly approved and permitted TSDF.

As with their Li-ion counterparts, when transporting NiMH batteries to a recycler or TSDF, you should take care that their contacts don’t touch one another, even if you believe that they haven’t any remaining charge. That’s because if enough of them come into contact with one another, a nasty fire can ensue.

9. What are lead-acid batteries?

Lead-acid batteries are what we’re accustomed to finding beneath the hoods of our cars (or in the trunk or under the seat, depending on your ride). They also show up in boats, snowmobiles, motorcycles, golf carts, ATVs, wheelchairs, and other vehicles. They’re inexpensive, safe, reliable, and can be designed for high power. However, they suffer from a low power-to-weight ratio, poor cold-temperature performance, and a short charging-cycle. (See source.)

10. How do you properly dispose of a lead-acid battery?

Very carefully, as each contains about 18 lbs. of lead—which is poisonous all by its lonesome. Add to that a gallon or so of lead-contaminated sulfuric acid. Thus, in most states it’s illegal to dispose of used lead-acid batteries. In a landfill, they would corrode, releasing the lead and lead-contaminated sulfuric acid into the environment, wreaking havoc upon nearby water resources. Also, never place a spent lead-acid battery into a municipal recycling bin.

Any entity that sells lead acid batteries will accept spent ones for recycling. E.g., when buying a new lead acid battery for your car, retailers will generally pay you money for your old “core.” Alternatively, you can bring spent lead-acid batteries to your local household hazardous waste collection program.

11. How do you properly dispose of large quantities of lead-acid batteries?

Bear in mind that lead-acid batteries are classified as a hazardous waste by that onerous troika of regulatory agencies: OSHA, DOT, and EPA. So, mistakes of either design or neglect while working with, transporting, and/or disposing of large quantities of these batteries can have serious legal and pecuniary consequences—some of them criminal in nature.

Among other things, your cradle-to-grave responsibilities include making sure that your containers meet various regulations for strength and durability, and that they’re properly labeled and “marked.” The transport company you select must be properly licensed to haul hazmat, and it’s your responsibility to make sure that it is. You must prepare an e-Manifest to accompany the batteries to a properly approved and permitted TSDF. And more. Don’t take chances. Get expert advice.

12. Where can you get comprehensive advice & help for disposing of old batteries?

Per the EPA, DOT, and OSHA, packaging and shipping requirements for disposing of or recycling batteries depend on their respective quantities, sizes, types, and chemical compositions. There are also specific rules about labeling, “marking,” documentation, and transportation.

Don’t take chances. Get expert advice.

Hazardous Waste Experts can help you with recycling or disposing of spent batteries while ensuring full compliance with all relevant regulations to minimize the risk of accidents, protect the environment, and ensure the safety of your personnel.

And thank you for reading our blog!