What powers your smartphone? Lithium-ion batteries. What starts your car? Lead-acid batteries. What keeps your forklift running? Industrial batteries.
Eventually, even the longest-lasting batteries reach the end of their life. When that time comes, it’s crucial to dispose of them properly to avoid environmental damage and safety risks. There are various battery disposal regulations that businesses must adhere to.
To clear up any confusion about common battery recycling regulations, here’s a concise, 5-minute guide to help you understand your responsibilities.
Table of Contents
- Lithium-Ion Battery Disposal Regulations
- The Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act
- The Universal Waste Rule
- State and Local Battery Disposal Regulations
- Ensuring Safe and Legal Battery Recycling
Lithium-Ion Battery Disposal Regulations
Recycling batteries not only benefits the environment but is also a legal requirement. Most of us use rechargeable devices like phones, laptops, and power tools, all powered by lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are popular because they are lightweight and long-lasting. However, their volatile chemistry necessitates regulation at both state and federal levels.
The Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act
Historically, recycling rechargeable batteries was challenging due to differing state regulations, labeling, and waste management requirements. Navigating these varied rules made proper disposal difficult.
The Battery Act, passed in 1996, aimed to streamline and simplify the recycling and disposal of batteries. It phased out the use of toxic mercury in batteries and introduced uniform labeling standards for rechargeable batteries, making compliance easier and safer.
The Universal Waste Rule
Batteries contain hazardous materials that can cause accidents during transportation or storage. The Universal Waste Rule, established by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), promotes the safe recycling and disposal of hazardous waste. This rule is effective in all 50 states.
Under the Universal Waste Rule, batteries such as Nickel-Cadmium and Lead-Acid must be recycled and cannot be thrown away. Businesses must also safely dispose of pesticides, lamps, and mercury-containing equipment.
To ensure compliance with these regulations, consider outsourcing your disposal needs to Union Battery. This will help your business adhere to hazardous waste disposal rules through eco-friendly recycling programs. We also provide a certificate of proper disposal that complies with EPA regulations.
State and Local Battery Disposal Regulations
In addition to federal laws, some states have their own battery recycling regulations. These state laws must be followed in conjunction with federal regulations.
For instance, in California, all single-use batteries must be recycled, whereas in other states, single-use household batteries like AA, AAA, C, and D can be safely disposed of in the trash. Failing to comply with federal or state laws can result in hefty fines.
To protect your business, you can find a map of recycling laws by state on our partner company’s site, Call2Recycle.
Ensuring Safe and Legal Battery Recycling
At Union Battery, we ensure that our recycling programs comply with all local, state, and federal regulations. Our team of experts handles, transports, and recycles your used batteries according to the necessary regulations. With Union Battery, you can be confident that your batteries are recycled properly and in an eco-friendly manner.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure the safe and legal disposal of batteries, protecting both the environment and your business.
