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Guide to the Management of Used Batteries
On February 11, 1993, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed to add to hazardous waste regulations a set of streamlined requirements for collecting certain widely dispersed hazardous waste (58 FR 8102), which are called "universal wastes." These wastes share several characteristics:
- They are frequently generated in a wide variety of settings other than the industrial or research setting,
usually associated with hazardous wastes
- They are generated by a vast community, the size of which poses implementation difficulties for both those who are regulated and the regulatory agencies charged with implementing the hazardous waste program
- They may be present in significant volumes in non-hazardous waste management
systems.
The final rule, known as the Universal Waste Rule, is intended to facilitate the environmentally-sound collection
and increase the proper recycling of batteries. Rather than trying to manage these diverse waste streams according to the hazardous waste regulations and the regulatory burden associated with such management the EPA has issued a relaxed set of procedures to assist in managing batteries, pesticides and mercury containing thermostats.
Waste pesticides are currently managed under our regular hazardous waste program and mercury containing thermostats are handled in a separate guidance document. The EPA anticipates adding additional materials to the list of universal wastes in the future.
Definitions
Battery means a device consisting of one or more electrically connected electrochemical cells that are 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. It does not include electrical generators but only includes devices that can store electrical power.
Battery Collection Container means a battery accumulation canister used to accumulate used batteries at or
near the site of generation on campus. These containers are provided by this office and labeled in accordance with EPA regulations. They are not to be used for regular office trash, other types of hazardous waste, soft drink cans or leaking batteries. Call this office for a special waste pickup if the battery is leaking.
On-site means the same or geographically contiguous property that may be divided by public or private right-of-way, provided that the entrances and exit between the properties is at a cross-roads intersection, and access is by crossing as opposed to going along the right of way. We are not allowed to accept batteries from
off-site. If you generate used batteries at home you should contact your local solid waste authority or recycler for disposal options. For departments that are not on the main campus programs customized for each location will be
established.
Universal Waste Handler means the owner or operator of a facility that generates or receives universal waste from other universal waste handlers, accumulates universal waste, and sends universal waste to another universal waste handler or to a destination facility. It does not include the treatment, disposal, recycling or transportation of universal waste. The Office of Safety and Environmental Health is the Universal Waste Handler for the University.
Leaking Batteries
If you have a leaking battery, please place it in a plastic bag and give us a call. Leaking batteries must be managed
as regular hazardous wastes. Do not place leaking batteries in Battery Collection Containers. If you place a leaking battery in with non-leaking batteries we will have a manage the entire container under the more stringent hazardous waste regulations. You will be required to fill out an Internal Manifest since you will be a generator of hazardous waste. The person collecting your leaking battery will have an Internal Manifest and will assist you in completing it.
Car Batteries
There are certain exemptions under the regular hazardous waste regulations for car batteries that are recycled. According to EPA, 90% of all car batteries are being currently recycled and they see no reason to change the regulations concerning car batteries. Units that generate car batteries should have recycling programs in place. If
an unexpected car battery is generated by your department you can contact this office for assistance.
Implementation
In order to minimize any disruptions we are implementing this program in a phased approach.
Locations of Phase I Battery Collection Containers
| Vet School |
Greene Hall |
| Haley Center Bookstore |
Apple Computer Sales Counter |
| Electrical Engineering |
Room 100 Broun Hall |
| Physics |
Room 100 Allison Laboratory |
| Space Power Institute |
Room Space Power Institute |
| Chemistry |
Room 100 New Chemistry Building |
| Research Operations |
Room 100 Research Operations |
| Facilities |
Electrical Shop |
| Digital Repair |
Room 100 L-Building |
| Fisheries |
Room 100 Swingle Hall |
| University Police |
Room 100 Something Building |
| Telecommunication and ETV |
Room 100 ETV Building |
| Student Housing |
Room Maintenance Building |
and Auburn University at Montgomery
We can accept the following Types and Sizes of Batteries
| Types |
Sizes |
| Alkaline |
Button |
| Nickel Cadmium |
AAA |
| Carbon Zinc |
AA |
| Gel Cell |
D-Cell |
| Lithium |
9 Volt |
| Non-automobile Lead Acid |
Big square ones |
Do not use Campus Mail to send used batteries. We do not accept delivery of batteries or hazardous wastes at the Hazardous Materials Storage Facility.
Please do being used batteries from home. It is the intend of EPA that the Universal Waste rules will encouage local solid waste authorities to establish battery recycling programs. Contact your local solid waste officals and encourage them to establish a program.
Portable Computer Batteries
If you use a laptop computer, your battery retailer may accept the used battery back. Please use their recycling
service if it is available.
Last Modification:
10 November 1998
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