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Batteries

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Kinds of Universal Waste

Batteries Lamps Pesticides Mercury-Containing Equipment

Waste batteries that are classified as hazardous waste can be collected under the streamlined collection standards for universal waste. These universal waste standards were created in an attempt to make it easier to collect the waste batteries and send them for recycling (or proper treatment and disposal). The requirements specific to batteries are described below.

What Is the Universal Waste Definition of "Battery"? 40 CFR 273.9

Battery means a device consisting of one or more electrically connected electrochemical cells which is designed to receive, store, and deliver electric energy. An electrochemical cell is a system consisting of an anode, cathode, and an electrolyte, plus such connections (electrical and mechanical) as may be needed to allow the cell to deliver or receive electrical energy. The term battery also includes an intact, unbroken battery from which the electrolyte has been removed.

Related Links

You can search for local battery recycling facilities by zip code at Earth 911. Exit EPA

Recycler’s World Battery Recycling Section Exit EPA consists of several key categories (e.g., lead acid batteries, nickel content batteries) along with a list of companies, associations, and publications related to the battery recycling industry in general.

When Do the Universal Waste Regulations Apply to Batteries? 40 CFR 273.2

(a) Batteries covered under 40 CFR part 273.

(1) The requirements of this part apply to persons managing batteries, as described in Sec. 273.9, except those listed in paragraph (b) of this section.

(2) Spent lead-acid batteries which are not managed under 40 CFR part 266, subpart G, are subject to management under this part.

(b) Batteries not covered under 40 CFR part 273. The requirements of this part do not apply to persons managing the following batteries:

(1) Spent lead-acid batteries that are managed under 40 CFR part 266, subpart G.

(2) Batteries, as described in Sec. 273.9, that are not yet wastes under part 261 of this chapter, including those that do not meet the criteria for waste generation in paragraph (c) of this section.

(3) Batteries, as described in Sec. 273.9, that are not hazardous waste. A battery is a hazardous waste if it exhibits one or more of the characteristics identified in 40 CFR part 261, subpart C.

(c) Generation of waste batteries.

(1) A used battery becomes a waste on the date it is discarded (e.g., when sent for reclamation).

(2) An unused battery becomes a waste on the date the handler decides to discard it.

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What Are the Waste Management Requirements for Small Quantity Handlers of Universal Waste Batteries? 40 CFR 273.13(a)

(a) Universal waste batteries. A small quantity handler of universal waste must manage universal waste batteries in a way that prevents releases of any universal waste or component of a universal waste to the environment, as follows:

(1) A small quantity handler of universal waste must contain any universal waste battery that shows evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage under reasonably foreseeable conditions in a container. The container must be closed, structurally sound, compatible with the contents of the battery, and must lack evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage under reasonably foreseeable conditions.

(2) A small quantity handler of universal waste may conduct the following activities as long as the casing of each individual battery cell is not breached and remains intact and closed (except that cells may be opened to remove electrolyte but must be immediately closed after removal):

(i) Sorting batteries by type;

(ii) Mixing battery types in one container;

(iii) Discharging batteries so as to remove the electric charge;

(iv) Regenerating used batteries;

(v) Disassembling batteries or battery packs into individual batteries or cells;

(vi) Removing batteries from consumer products; or

(vii) Removing electrolyte from batteries.

(3) A small quantity handler of universal waste who removes electrolyte from batteries, or who generates other solid waste (e.g., battery pack materials, discarded consumer products) as a result of the activities listed above, must determine whether the electrolyte and/or other solid waste exhibit a characteristic of hazardous waste identified in 40 CFR part 261, subpart C.

(i) If the electrolyte and/or other solid waste exhibit a characteristic of hazardous waste, it is subject to all applicable requirements of 40 CFR parts 260 through 272. The handler is considered the generator of the hazardous electrolyte and/or other waste and is subject to 40 CFR part 262.

(ii) If the electrolyte or other solid waste is not hazardous, the handler may manage the waste in any way that is in compliance with applicable federal, state or local solid waste regulations.

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What Are the Waste Management Requirements for Large Quantity Handlers of Universal Waste Batteries? 40 CFR 273.33(a)

(a) Universal waste batteries. A large quantity handler of universal waste must manage universal waste batteries in a way that prevents releases of any universal waste or component of a universal waste to the environment, as follows:

(1) A large quantity handler of universal waste must contain any universal waste battery that shows evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage under reasonably foreseeable conditions in a container. The container must be closed, structurally sound, compatible with the contents of the battery, and must lack evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage under reasonably foreseeable conditions.

(2) A large quantity handler of universal waste may conduct the following activities as long as the casing of each individual battery cell is not breached and remains intact and closed (except that cells may be opened to remove electrolyte but must be immediately closed after removal):

(i) Sorting batteries by type;

(ii) Mixing battery types in one container;

(iii) Discharging batteries so as to remove the electric charge;

(iv) Regenerating used batteries;

(v) Disassembling batteries or battery packs into individual batteries or cells;

(vi) Removing batteries from consumer products; or

(vii) Removing electrolyte from batteries.

(3) A large quantity handler of universal waste who removes electrolyte from batteries, or who generates other solid waste (e.g., battery pack materials, discarded consumer products) as a result of the activities listed above, must determine whether the electrolyte and/or other solid waste exhibit a characteristic of hazardous waste identified in 40 CFR part 261, subpart C.

(i) If the electrolyte and/or other solid waste exhibit a characteristic of hazardous waste, it must be managed in compliance with all applicable requirements of 40 CFR parts 260 through 272. The handler is considered the generator of the hazardous electrolyte and/or other waste and is subject to 40 CFR part 262.

(ii) If the electrolyte or other solid waste is not hazardous, the handler may manage the waste in any way that is in compliance with applicable federal, state or local solid waste regulations.

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What Are the Labeling/Marking Requirements for Universal Waste Batteries? 40 CFR 273.14

A small quantity handler of universal waste must label or mark the universal waste to identify the type of universal waste as specified below:

(a) Universal waste batteries (i.e., each battery), or a container in which the batteries are contained, must be labeled or marked clearly with any one of the following phrases: "Universal Waste -- Battery(ies)," or "Waste Battery(ies)," or "Used Battery(ies);"

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Where Can I Recycle Universal Waste Batteries?

You can search for local battery recycling facilities by zip code at Earth 911 . Exit EPA

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