Batteries
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Rechargeable and Lithium Battery Facts
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Rechargeable batteries contain toxic heavy metals such as lead, nickel, cadmium, and mercury
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These materials are harmful to the environment and pose human health hazards
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The above image box shows typical equipment and electronic devices that use rechargeable batteries.
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Rechargeable batteries should be recycled to prevent environmental harm and reuse useful materials
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The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation* (RBRC) offers Call2Recycle for free disposal of rechargeable batteries and cell phones for businesses and individuals.
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Businesses can support battery recycling by sponsoring* a dropoff box for free.
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More recycling information can be found on the Community Resources and Links page.
Types of Rechargeable Batteries and their Dangers
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Nickel-Cadmium "NiCad"
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NiCad batteries are the most hazardous because they contain cadmium which is a toxic heavy metal.
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NiCad batteries contain 6%-18% cadmium.
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Typically used in cordless power tools, cellphones, cameras, bio-medical equipment, and radios*
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​Improper disposal of NiCad can result in
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Inhalation if batteries are incinerated
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Soil and groundwater contamination if batteries are landfilled
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Cadmium poisoning can cause metal fume fever, pneumonitis, pulmonary edema, and death.
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For more information, visit US Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration information page*
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Nickel-Metal Hydride "NiMH"
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While less hazardous than NiCad batteries, NiMH batteries contain potentially carcinogenic substances such as metal alloys containing nickel
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Lithium Ion "Li-Ion"
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Lithium Ion batteries, sometimes called "Li-Ion," are widely used because of their long life.
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Lithium ion battery fires produce toxic gases which are particularly damaging to lungs
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Lead-Acid
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Lead-Acid batteries are the oldest type of rechargeable batteries.
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Lead is a highly poisonous heavy metal.
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Can cause irritation to skin, mucous membranes in eyes, or upper respiratory system and burns to skin
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When Lead-Acid batteries are improperly disposed of or stored
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Gas-venting valves can fail, resulting in explosion or fire
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If the battery casing is ruptured, acid and shrapnel can be sprayed around the area
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One explosion like this can ignite other cells within the battery or other nearby batteries
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Lead and sulfuric acid can contaminate groundwater or nearby waterbodies
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Rechargeable batteries are typically found in these devices:
Rechargeable Battery Management Strategy
Conducting a Workplace Assessment for Rechargeable Battery Management
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The safe storage and management of rechargeable batteries is important to minimize the risk of contamination in your workplace
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Survey how many items your business uses that require rechargeable batteries--if you have an equipment change-out planned, include that in your estimate
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Explore other recycling options and resources available for businesses and responsible recycling
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Educate your maintenance and technical staff about how to implement the management strategy
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Inform them of the importance of recovering all batteries
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Coordinate storage, packaging, and shipping logistics with appropriate staff (building engineers, information technology or audio-visual specialists, maintenance workers, custodial staff, etc.)
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Kick-off the management program with an informational meeting with participants to recruit their support
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Periodically review the program to evaluate its effectiveness and to make improvements
Safe Storage and Handling of Batteries
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments battery handling guidance​ as part of their GoRecycle campaign*
This and other information on safe storage and handling of batteries can be seen in the Know Toxics Universal Waste & Used Electronics Training Manual*, pages 9-10.
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A handler of universal waste batteries must manage them in a way that prevents releases to the environment
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Handlers of universal waste batteries must ensure that the casing of each individual battery cell is not breached
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Cells may be opened to remove electrolyte
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If a battery cell or casing is breached, it must be managed as hazardous waste
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Containers of universal waste batteries must be properly labeled, structurally sound, and compatible with the contents of the stored material
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It is recommended to add the date to the label since handlers can only store universal waste material on-site for up to one year
It is highly recommended that battery terminals be insulated to avoid electrical discharge during storage and transportation. This must be done using non-electrical duct tape, as metallic duct tape can easily cause reaction or fire.
Damaged Batteries
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How to tell if there are damaged, defective or recalled (DDR) batteries from Call 2 Recycle* and incident resource kits
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Damaged batteries present a risk of explosion and reaction, requiring special care.
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These items can no longer be managed as Universal Waste and must be containerized and managed separately as hazardous waste.
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*External link. The Northern Virginia Regional Commission does not author third party sites and their reference is for educational purposes only.