Battery Safety & Shipping Requirements
A spent or depleted rechargeable battery that is ready to be recycled may still contain a residual charge. Certain precautions MUST BE taken in order to protect battery terminals during storage and shipping and comply with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.
ERG requires that batteries are packaged according to the following guidelines.
1. Dry, sealed batteries less than 9 volts are not regulated by DOT and may be packaged together. This does include various chemistries. (See DOT interpretation letter Ref # 09-0295 of January 8, 2010)
2. For each battery that is greater than 9 volts the terminal must be individually protected. Place each battery or cell into a separate plastic bag or somehow protect the terminal. Remember: ONE rechargeable battery, or ONE cell per bag. These precautions will prevent contact between terminals or other metal surfaces during storage and shipping.
If plastic bags are unavailable, cover battery terminals with tape (clear packing).
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE REQUIREMENTS MAY LEAD TO A DISRUPTION IN RECYCLING SERVICES.
3. Containers should be stored in a cool, dry location away from flammable materials and heat sources. Mark each container with the accumulation start date and ship within one year.
Rechargeable batteries must be packed in strong outer packaging. Mark the packages with "Universal Waste Batteries"." If shipping sealed lead acid batteries, also mark the package with the word "NONSPILLABLE."
Rechargeable batteries should be packed in UN specification drums, such as vented, non-metal or lined steel drums (or equivalent). Drums should be banded or shrink-wrapped to pallets for handling by forklifts. Mark drums "Universal Waste Batteries".
Lithium Ion Batteries:
The US DOT enacted new regulations in 2008 that apply to shipments containing lithium ion batteries. Whenever possible, lithium ion batteries should be sorted from other rechargeable batteries.
Shipment of a container of lithium ion batteries for recycling must adhere to the following requirements, in addition to the safety requirements listed on the opposite side:
- Each individual rechargeable battery, or cell phone with battery, must be placed into a separate bag (or terminals taped) to ensure safe storage and shipping;
- Package must be marked “CONTAINS LITHIUM ION BATTERIES – FORBIDDEN FOR TRANSPORT ABOARD AIRCRAFT AND VESSEL.” Lettering must be at least 0.25 inches in height;
- Package also must be marked: “DO NOT DAMAGE OR MISHANDLE PACKAGE – IF PACKAGE IS DAMAGED, BATTERIES MUST BE QUARANTINED, INSPECTED AND REPACKAGED”;
- Shipping document (e.g., bill of lading) must indicate package contains lithium ion batteries and package must be quarantined, inspected and repackaged if damaged; and
- Package may not exceed 66 lbs/30 kg
A package containing lithium ion batteries with a gross weight of more than 66 lbs/30 kg must be shipped as a fully-regulated Class 9 hazardous material and marked “LITHIUM BATTERY, UN 3090” and carry the Class 9 Miscellaneous hazard label. Batteries must be protected from short circuits and placed in strong outer packaging or UN specification packaging. Shipments also must be accompanied by a hazardous materials shipping paper. Shippers must be trained in accordance with the U.S. hazardous materials regulations.