Under RCRA 40 CFR 273 waste batteries 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.
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.
Universal Waste Regulations Apply to Batteries
40 CFR 273.2 Batteries covered under 40 CFR part 273 apply to all persons managing batteries as described in section 273.9, except for persons managing spent Lead-Acid batteries that are managed under 40 CFR parts 266, subpart G. Batteries as described in section 273.9, that are not ye wastes under part 261 of this chapter, incluiding those that do not meet the criteria for waste generation.
Generation of waste batteries.
- A used battery becomes a waste on the date it is discarded (e.g., when sent for reclamation),
- An unused battery becomes a waste on the date the handler decides to discard it.
What types of batteries can be recycled?
Types of batteries recycles include but are not limited to:
- Alkaline
- Lead Acid
- Lithium Ion
- Nickel Cadmium
- Zinc Carbon
- Laptop Batteries
- Cell-phone Batteries
- Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH)
- Absolyte Telecom Batteries
- Lithium Button Cell Batteries
- and all types of rechargeable batteries.
Requirements for Handler of Universal Waste
A handler of universal waste must label or mark the universal waste to identify the type of universal waste as specified below:
- 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); “
E-cycling provides environmental safe battery recycling services making sure your facility is in full compliance of local and federal government regulations.
We provide US DOT compliance containers for the proper handling of storage of batteries.