Battery Disposal & Recycling Services
Professional Battery Collection for Businesses Nationwide
Batteries contain hazardous materials that require proper disposal and recycling. From lead-acid batteries to lithium-ion cells, businesses must comply with EPA universal waste regulations and state battery laws. Hazardous Waste Disposal has been helping businesses safely recycle batteries since 1992.
Call (800) 582-4833 for battery disposal services or email info@hazardouswastedisposal.com
Types of Batteries We Handle
Lead-Acid Batteries
The most common rechargeable batteries in commercial use.
What we handle:
Automotive batteries (cars, trucks)
Deep cycle batteries
Marine batteries
Industrial batteries
Forklift batteries
UPS backup batteries
Golf cart batteries
Motorcycle batteries
Regulation: Universal waste (streamlined regulations) Recycling: 99% recyclable - lead, plastic, and acid all recovered Cost: Often FREE or very low cost due to scrap value
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Increasingly common in modern equipment.
What we handle:
Laptop and tablet batteries
Power tool batteries
Electric vehicle batteries
Forklift lithium batteries
Emergency lighting batteries
Medical device batteries
Backup power batteries
Regulation: Universal waste in most states Safety concern: Fire and explosion hazards require special handling Cost: $2-$10 per pound
Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cad) Batteries
Rechargeable batteries containing toxic cadmium.
What we handle:
Power tool batteries
Emergency lighting batteries
Industrial equipment batteries
Two-way radio batteries
Regulation: Universal waste (cadmium is toxic) Recycling: Cadmium and nickel recovered Cost: $3-$8 per pound
Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries
Common rechargeable batteries.
What we handle:
AA, AAA, C, D rechargeable cells
Power tool batteries
Hybrid vehicle batteries
Medical equipment batteries
Regulation: Universal waste Recycling: Nickel and other metals recovered Cost: $1-$5 per pound
Alkaline Batteries
Common single-use batteries.
What we handle:
AA, AAA, C, D cells
9-volt batteries
Lantern batteries
Button cells (non-mercury)
Regulation: Not regulated as hazardous waste federally (some states regulate) Recycling: Possible but not always required Cost: $0.50-$2 per pound
Lithium Primary (Non-Rechargeable) Batteries
Single-use lithium batteries.
What we handle:
3-volt camera batteries
Coin cell lithium batteries
Industrial lithium cells
Medical device batteries
Regulation: Regulated due to fire hazard Safety: Can short-circuit and cause fires Cost: $2-$8 per pound
Button Cell Batteries
Small batteries used in watches, hearing aids, etc.
What we handle:
Silver oxide batteries
Mercury batteries (if old)
Lithium coin cells
Zinc-air batteries
Regulation: Mercury-containing are hazardous waste (rare now) Cost: $1-$5 per pound
Specialty Batteries
Unusual or specialized battery types.
What we handle:
Sealed lead batteries
Gel cell batteries
AGM batteries
Large industrial cells
Custom battery packs
Why Batteries Require Special Disposal
Toxic Materials
Batteries contain hazardous substances:
Lead: Highly toxic heavy metal (lead-acid batteries)
Cadmium: Carcinogenic heavy metal (Ni-Cad batteries)
Mercury: Toxic metal (old button cells)
Lithium: Reactive metal (lithium batteries)
Acids: Corrosive electrolytes
Health impact: These materials cause serious health problems if released into the environment.
Environmental Contamination
Improper disposal harms the environment:
Soil contamination from heavy metals
Groundwater pollution
Surface water toxicity
Ecosystem damage
Impact: One lead-acid battery can contaminate thousands of gallons of water.
Fire and Explosion Hazards
Certain batteries pose safety risks:
Lithium batteries: Can catch fire or explode
Damaged batteries: Short circuits cause fires
Improper storage: Heat buildup leads to thermal runaway
Safety incidents: Lithium battery fires in waste facilities are increasing.
Valuable Resources
Batteries contain recoverable materials:
Lead (99% recycled from lead-acid batteries)
Nickel, cobalt, lithium (from rechargeable batteries)
Plastics (battery cases)
Steel (battery components)
Economic value: Recycling recovers valuable materials and creates jobs.
Battery Recycling Regulations
Universal Waste Rule (40 CFR 273)
Most batteries are regulated as universal waste:
Streamlined requirements vs. full hazardous waste regulations
Longer storage times allowed (1 year)
No manifests required
No EPA ID number needed for universal waste alone
Must recycle at approved facilities
Batteries covered:
Lead-acid batteries
Ni-Cad batteries
Mercury-containing batteries
Other rechargeable batteries (in most states)
State Battery Laws
Many states have additional battery requirements:
California: All batteries are hazardous waste
New York: Rechargeable battery recycling law
Vermont: All batteries banned from landfills
Minnesota: Rechargeable battery law
Check your state for specific requirements
DOT Transportation Rules
Batteries must be shipped safely:
Lithium batteries: Strict packaging requirements
Damaged batteries: Special handling protocols
Bulk shipments: Class 8 corrosive or Class 9 hazardous materials
Our Battery Recycling Services
Regular Scheduled Collection
For ongoing battery generation:
Monthly, quarterly, or annual pickup
Collection containers provided
All paperwork handled
Recycling certificates provided
Perfect for:
Retail stores
Automotive shops
Maintenance departments
Equipment rental companies
Battery Collection Programs
Comprehensive programs for businesses:
Collection buckets and signage
Employee training materials
Regular pickup schedule
Compliance documentation
Ideal for:
Office buildings
Warehouses
Manufacturing facilities
Multi-location businesses
One-Time Battery Disposal
For occasional needs:
Facility cleanouts
Inventory reduction
Old equipment disposal
Large battery replacements
Emergency Battery Disposal
For urgent situations:
Damaged battery removal
Fire hazard mitigation
Compliance issues
Immediate pickup needs
Available within 24-48 hours
Mail-Back Programs
For small quantities:
Battery collection kits
Pre-paid shipping
Mail to recycling facility
Certificates provided
Good for: Low-volume generators, remote locations
Battery Storage Best Practices
Container Requirements
Use proper containers:
Fire-resistant buckets or drums
Well-ventilated containers
Sturdy, sealed containers
Non-conductive materials
For lithium batteries:
Non-conductive spacing
No metal contact
Individual tape coverage recommended
Labeling Requirements
Universal waste battery containers must be labeled:
"Universal Waste - Batteries"
"Waste Batteries"
Or similar clear identification
Not required:
"Hazardous Waste" label
Accumulation dates
EPA waste codes
Storage Location
Store batteries:
In cool, dry location
Away from heat sources
Away from flammable materials
In well-ventilated area
On spill containment
Away from production areas
Preventing Short Circuits
Critical for fire safety:
Tape battery terminals
Use non-conductive spacers
Don't allow metal contact
Separate damaged batteries
Keep batteries cool
Lithium battery storage:
Store at <30% charge if possible
Keep away from other batteries
Isolate damaged or swollen batteries
Have fire extinguisher nearby
Battery Recycling Process
Lead-Acid Battery Recycling
Steps:
Batteries crushed in hammermill
Plastic separated and recycled
Lead smelted and purified
Acid neutralized or reprocessed
Clean lead sold to battery manufacturers
Recovery rate: 99% of battery materials recycled
Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling
Steps:
Batteries discharged safely
Disassembly (manual or automated)
Shredding of components
Separation of materials
Recovery of lithium, cobalt, nickel
Purification and resale
Recovery rate: 50-95% depending on technology
Ni-Cad Battery Recycling
Steps:
Collection and sorting
Thermal treatment
Cadmium distillation
Nickel recovery
Materials sold for new batteries or steel
Recovery rate: 70-90% of materials
Battery Disposal Costs
Lead-Acid Batteries
Cost: Often FREE or small payment
High scrap value offsets costs
May receive $5-$15 per battery for large quantities
Pickup often included at no charge
Minimum quantities: Usually 10-20 batteries for free pickup
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Cost: $2-$10 per pound
Higher cost due to fire hazards
Special packaging required
Transportation costs higher
Damaged batteries: May cost more due to safety concerns
Ni-Cad Batteries
Cost: $3-$8 per pound
Regulated due to cadmium content
Recycling value partially offsets cost
Alkaline Batteries
Cost: $0.50-$2 per pound
Lower cost
Not always required to recycle
Some programs accept free
Button Cell Batteries
Cost: $1-$5 per pound
Small quantities add up
Often included with other battery collection
Collection Program Costs
Monthly service:
Small program: $50-$150 per month
Medium program: $150-$400 per month
Large program: $400-$1,000+ per month
Includes: Containers, pickup, recycling, documentation
Call (800) 582-4833 for accurate pricing
Industries That Generate Battery Waste
Automotive & Fleet Operations
Batteries generated:
Car and truck batteries (lead-acid)
Equipment batteries
Specialty vehicle batteries
Volume: 10-500+ batteries per month
Retail Stores
Batteries generated:
Customer recycling collections
Display and equipment batteries
Electronics department returns
Volume: 50-500 pounds per month
Manufacturing Facilities
Batteries generated:
Forklift batteries
Equipment backup batteries
Tool batteries
Emergency lighting
Volume: 100-2,000 pounds per month
Data Centers
Batteries generated:
UPS backup batteries
Server batteries
Emergency power batteries
Volume: 500-5,000 pounds per replacement cycle
Hospitals & Healthcare
Batteries generated:
Medical equipment batteries
Emergency lighting
Portable device batteries
Volume: 50-300 pounds per month
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can alkaline batteries go in the trash? A: Federally, yes (since 1996 when mercury was removed). However, some states and localities ban or restrict this. Best practice is to recycle.
Q: Are lead-acid batteries free to dispose of? A: Often yes, due to their scrap value. Many programs offer free pickup or even pay you for large quantities.
Q: How should lithium batteries be stored? A: In cool, dry area with terminals taped, separated from other batteries, in fire-resistant containers.
Q: What if a lithium battery is damaged or swollen? A: Isolate it immediately, place in sand or vermiculite, store outside if possible, and call us for emergency pickup.
Q: Do I need an EPA ID number for batteries? A: Not for universal waste batteries alone. Only if you also generate hazardous waste requiring an ID.
Q: How long can I store batteries? A: One year for universal waste batteries. Don't exceed this limit.
Q: Can different battery types be mixed together? A: It's better to separate them, but small mixed collections are acceptable for recycling.
Q: What happens to recycled batteries? A: Materials are recovered and made into new batteries, steel products, or other manufactured goods.
Get Started with Battery Recycling Service
Call (800) 582-4833 or email info@hazardouswastedisposal.com
What to have ready:
Types of batteries generated
Approximate monthly or annual quantity
Current storage method
Desired service frequency
We'll provide:
Free quote (lead-acid often FREE!)
Collection containers
Pickup scheduling
Recycling certificates
Compliance documentation
Program signage if needed
Many battery recycling programs pay for themselves through reduced waste costs!
Serving businesses nationwide since 1992
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