 |
            |
 |
Office of Environmental Health and Safety
Because of their corrosivity, reactivity, and/or toxicity, waste batteries may be considered hazardous waste. According to battery-producing industry sources, nickel-cadmium batteries typically exhibit hazardous waste characteristics, whereas low-mercury alkaline and carbon-zinc batteries do not. Some lithium batteries might be considered reactive, while lead acid batteries are considered corrosive as well as toxic. (Gel cell batteries, are a subset of lead acid batteries, and should be treated the same.) Button batteries may or may not posess hazardous characteristics, depending on their type and size.
Battery Recycling
At the present time there are recycling outlets for lead-acid batteries, mercuric-oxide and silver-oxide button batteries. Various consumer and industrial groups are working towards recycling options for other types of batteries.
Battery Waste Reduction
There are measures that can be taken to minimize hazardous battery waste:
- Purchase only low mercury (" green") batteries which are designated with the words, "low mercury", "zero mercury added", a green stripe, or a symbol that signifies environmentally friendly, such as a tree icon.
- Substitute rechargeable alkaline batteries for nickel-cadmium, whenever possible.
Battery Management
Using the table below, try to identify the type of battery you wish to dispose. If you find that it should be disposed as a hazardous waste, you should bring it to the Office of Environmental Health, or drop it off at the Physical Plant Storeroom. If it is not considered a hazardous waste, it may be disposed of into the regular trash.
Battery Type |
Appearance |
Hazardous waste? |
Can be recycled |
Alkaline |
Alkaline, carbon-zinc, and nickel-cadmium batteries are similar in size and shape, although nickel-cadmium batteries are labeled as such. |
If not low-mercury or "green". |
No |
Carbon Zinc |
As above. |
No |
No |
Mercuric-oxide button |
Mercuric-oxide button batteries are easy to distinguish from nonbutton types of batteries but not from other buttons. |
Yes |
Yes |
Silver-oxide button |
Silver-oxide button batteries are difficult to distinguish from mercuric-oxide buttons. |
Yes |
Yes |
Zinc-air batteries |
Zinc-air are easily identifiable by the holes in the bottom of the battery. |
No |
No |
Lithium |
Most large lithium batteries are labeled with the word "lithium" or the initials "LI". Lithium button batteries are smaller and lighter than most types of button batteries and are also unique because they come with only a 3-volt charge. |
Yes |
No |
Secondary Cells (Rechargeable) |
Alkaline, carbon-zinc and nickel-cadmium batteries are similar in size and shape, although nickel-cadmium batteries are labeled as such. |
No |
No |
Lithium Ion |
Labeled as such or "Li Ion." |
No. Non-hazardous, but managed the same as hazardous |
No |
Nickel-cadmium |
Labeled as such or " NiCd ." |
Yes |
Yes |
Nickel-metal hydride |
Labeled as such or " NiMH ." |
No. Non-hazardous, but managed the same as hazardous |
No |
Small sealed lead-acid flat plates |
Most are enclosed in battery packs and are not easily distinguishable. |
Yes |
Yes |
Lead-acid |
Commonly used in cars and motorcycles. |
Yes |
Yes |
Steve Langlois, Director of Environmental Health and Safety, (860) 439-2252
This page maintained by the Office of Environmental Health & Safety