Battery Disposal Introduction This fact sheet is intended for users of various types of batteries. It provides general information on proper handling, disposition and disposal, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations regarding battery hazardous waste determinations and recycling. Types of Batteries What's Inside... JULY 1997 Introduction... 1 Types of Batteries... 1 Federal Hazardous Waste Requlrements... 2 State Hazardous Waste Requirements... 3 Federal Hazardous Waste Determinations.. 3 Battery Recycling Companies... 4 Sound Management Practices... 5 General Battery Storage Requirements... 5 Definitions... 5 References... 6 Batteries come in different configuratlons, sizes, and voltages. The specific constituents of each battery type influence the requirements for final disposition. The following descriptions provide an overview of the major battery types. Alkaline Batteries Alkaline batteries are primary or non-rechargeable batteries. The positive pole (anode) of the battery contains zinc, while the negative pole (cathode) contains manganese dioxide. The electrolyte used in alkaline batteries is either potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide. Both are strong Carbon-Zinc (LeClanche) Batteries Carbon zinc batteries are also primary or non-rechargeable batteries. The anode contains zinc and the cathode contains manganese. The electrolyte is an aqueous solution of ammonium chloride and zinc chloride. Ammonium chloride is a severe eye irritant and zinc chloride is a corrosivematerial. Depleted batteriesmaycontinue to vent hydrogen gas after use or if stored above 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Lead-Acid Batteries Lithium Batteries Lithium battery types include lithium-manganese dioxide, lithium-sulfur dioxide, and lithiumthionyl chloride. The anode is composed of lithium and the cathode is composed of manganese dioxide (or sulfur dioxide, or thionyl chloride). The electrolyte of the lithium-manganese dioxide battery is composed of an organic solvent (propylene carbonate and 1,2 dimethoxyethane) solution of lithium perchlor- ate. In the case of lithium-sulfur dioxide, the alkalis. If alkaline batteries are damaged or mishandled, electrolyte is also an organic solvent (acetonithe alkali electrolyte may leak out of the battery cell. Setrile) solution with lithium bromide. Lithiumvere chemical burns can result if the electrolyte comes into contact with the skin or eyes. thionyl chloride batteries have a non-aqueous thionyl chloride solution containing lithium aluminum chloride. Lithium-sulfur dioxide batteries contain pressurized sulfur dioxide gas and lithium-thionyl chloride batteries contain liquid thionyl chloride which vaporizes upon exposure to air, both of which are highly toxic. Magnesium Batteries Magnesium batteries have a magnesium anode, manganese dioxide cathode, and an electrolyte of an aqueous solution of magnesium bromide or magnesium perchlorate. These chemicals can emit highly toxic fumes when Lead-acid batteries have a lead anode, a lead dioxide cath- heated. If batteries showsignsofleakage, ode, and an aqueous sulfuric acid electrolyte. The battery proper eye and skin protection is recommended cell contains 60 to 75 percent lead and lead oxide, by weight, during handling. and the electrolyte contains between 28 and 51 percent sulfuric acid, by weight. The electrolyte is a strong oxidiz- Mercury Batteries ing agent and can cause severe skin burns or irritation Mercury upon batteries have a zinc anode, mercuric contact. If acid contacts eyes, it can cause severe damoxide cathode, and an electrolyte of an aqueage andlor blindness. Contact lenses and smoking should ous solution of potassium hydroxide or sodium be prohibited in areas where lead-acid batteries are stored hydroxide. The cell has a solid cathode of or handled. mercuric oxide and contains 20 to 50 percent
C mercury or mercuric oxide, by weight. The battery cell contains a caustic electrolyte and can have the Same adverse heal!h effects as alkaline batteries. any one or more of these characteristics. The following criteria are used to make these determinations: Nickel-Cadmium Batteries Nickel-cadmium (ni-cbd) batteries have a cadmium anode, nickel oxyhydroxide cathode, and an electro- lyte of an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide. The battery cells typically contain 13-15 percent cadmium and 20-30 percent nickel, by weight. The electrolyte is a caustic solution and is capable of causing the same health effects as alkaline batteries addressed above. Silver Batteries Silver batteries have a zinc anode, silver chloride cathode, and an electrolyte of an aqueous solution of lithium chloride or zinc chloride and zinc sulfate. The electrolyte is a mild acid (20 to 30 percent by weight) and can cause serious chemical burns to the skin andlor eyes. Thermal Batteries Thermal batteries have a calcium anode, calcium chromate cathode, and a solid lithium chloride and potassium chloride electrolyte which are strong oxidizers or caustics capable of causing skin irritation. These batteries may also contain asbestos. If batteries show signs of leakage, proper eye and skin protection is recommended during handling. The battery manufacturer s Material Safety Data Sheet should always be reviewed for specific environmental and health hazards for the actual battery being used. Federal Hazardous Waste Requirements As a generator of a solid waste, the generator is required to make a determination as to whether the solid waste is a hazardous waste. This may be accomplished by applying user knowledge or testing the waste. Typically, hazardous waste classification is based upon the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Characteristics of Hazardous Waste. Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 261, Identification and Listing of Hazardous Waste, addresses the four hazardous waste characteristics: ignitability; corrosivity; reactivity; and toxicity. A waste is considered a hazardous waste if it exhibits lgnitability A solid waste exhibits the characteristic ignitability of (Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Hazardous Waste Number 0001) if a representative sample of the waste has any cf the following properties: J It is a liquid and has a flash point of less than 140 degrees Fahrenheit; J It is not a liquid and is capable, under standard temperature and pressure, of causing fire through friction, absorption of moisture, or spontaneous chemical changes and, when ignited, burns so vigorously and persistently that it creates a hazard; J It is an ignitable compressed gas (as defined in Title 40 CFR 173.300); or J It is an oxidizer (as defined in Title 173.151). Corrosivity 49 CFR A solid waste exhibits the characteristic corrosivity of (EPA Hazardous Waste Number D002) if a representative sample of the waste is aqueous and has a ph less than or equal to 2 or greater than or equal to 12.5 Reactivity A solid waste exhibits the characteristic of reactivity (EPA Hazardous Waste Number D003) if a representative sample of the waste has any of the following properties: J It is normally unstable and readily undergoes violent changes without detonating; J It reacts violently with water; J It forms potentially explosive mixtures with water; J When mixed with water, it generates toxic gases, vapors, or fumes in a quantity sufficient to present a danger to human health or the environment; J It is a cyanide or sulfide bearing waste which, when exposed to ph conditions between 2 and 12.5, can generate toxic gases, vapors, or fumes in a quantity sufficient to present a danger to human health or the environment; or J It is capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or reaction at standard temperature and pressure. Toxicity A solid waste exhibits the characteristic of toxicity if, using the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching PrOcedure Page 2 of 4
(TCLP), the extract from a representative sample of the waste contains any of the contaminants equal to or greater than the concentrations listed below: Contaminant Cadmium Chromium Lead Mercury Silver Concentration EPA Hazardous Waste Number 1.O mg/l* DO06 5.0 mg/l DO07 5.0 mg/l DO08 mg/l DO09 0.2 5.0 mg/l DO1 1 Note: Only the contaminants of interest in batteries am Iistedin the above tawe. milligrams per liter) State Hazardous Waste Requirements Al but four states (Alaska, Hawaii, Iowa, and Wyoming) are authorized by the EPA to administer their own hazardous waste programs. As a result, these states have promulgated hazardous waste regulations that may be more stringent than the Federal regulations. For example, California regulates zinc, a component of alkaline batteries, under the Toxicity characteristic. Both Washington and California hazardous waste regulations include bioassay characterization criteria. Bioassay characterization is a method of determining the potential toxicity of a material by observing its effect on the growth of a suitable animal, plant, or microorganism under controlled conditions. Under this waste criteria, alkaline and carbon-zinc batteries may be considered a stateregulated hazardous waste. Therefore, the generator must ensure he applies the most stringent regulations when considering hazardous waste disposal. Federal Hazardous Waste Determinations Batteries (except lead-acid batteries) are not specifically regulated under Federal RCRA regulations. However, many batteries may exhibit.one or more of the characteristics of a hazardous waste and require management as such. The following information is provided to assist you in making the proper waste determinations: Alkaline Batteries: Alkaline batteries are not considered a RCRA-regulated hazardous waste. The electrolyte of an alkaline battery does not meet the definition of an aqueous solution or free liquid; therefore, they are not, by definition, a corrosive waste. However, aquatic bioassay analysis conducted (Martin Mariettta, 1992) to further characterize the toxicity of the battery leachates indicates alkaline batteries would be classified as hazardous waste in those states which use bioassay characterization criteria. Your state regulatory authorities should be contacted to obtain a current interpretation. Carbon-Zinc Batteries: Carbon-zinc batteries are not considered a RCRA-regulated hazardous waste. As with alkaline batteries, these batteries may be subject to state-regulation as a result of bioassay characterization criteria. Lead-Acid Batteries: Lead-acid batteries destined for disposal are considered a RCRA-regulated hazardous waste due to their lead content (EPA Hazardous Waste Number 0008). Lithium Batteries: Lithium batteries are subdivided into the following categories: 4 Lithium-manganese dioxide batteries are nonhazardous solid wastes; 0 Lithium-sulfur dioxide batteries (single-cell) are non-hazardous solid wastes; 4 Lithium-sulfur dioxide batteries (multi-cell) may be non-hazardous solid waste or characteristic hazardous wastes. If equipped with a Complete Discharge Device (CDD), the batteries are considered a non-hazardous solid waste after discharging. If not equipped with a CDD, multi-cell lithium-sulfur dioxide batteries are characteristic hazardous wastes due to ignitiability (D001) and reactivity (0003). 4 Lithium-thionyl chloride batteries (multi-cell) are characteristic hazardous wastes. If these batteries have a CDD, after discharge, these batteries are a characteristic hazardous waste due to toxicity (chromium, D007). Batteries without a CDD are considered a characteristic hazardous waste due to toxicity (chromium 0007), ignitability (DOOl), and reactivity (D003). Magnesium Batteries: Batteries with 50 percent or greater remaining charge are considered a RCRAregulated hazardous waste due to the characteristic of toxicity (chromium, EPA Hazardous Waste Nurnber D007). Batteries with less remaining charge are not considered RCRA-regulated hazardous waste. In some cases, the charge may be determined using a Battery Test Set. In those cases where the charge cannot be determined, the batteries should be disposed of as a characteristic hazardous waste. Page 3 of 6
Mercury Batteries: Mercury batteries are considered formation on the Universal Waste Rule is contained a RCRA-regulated hazardous waste due to the char- in the PRO-ACT Fact Sheet, "Universal Waste Rule," acteristic of toxicity (mercury, EPA Hazardous Waste August 1995. Number D009). Additional regulatory relief may also result from a Ni-Cad Batteries: Ni-cad batteries are considered a RCRA-regulated hazardous waste due to the charrecent Public Law (PL-104-142), "Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act," 13 acteristic of toxicity (cadmium, EPA Hazardous May 1996. The purpose of this law is to: Waste Number DOOt3j. b Phase oc! the use of mercurycontaining batter- Silver Batteries: Silver batteries are considered a RCRA-regulated hazardous waste due to the charies; W Provide for the efficient and cost-effective colacteristic of toxicity (silver, EPA Hazardous Waste Number DO1 1, and mercury, EPA Hazardous Waste lection and recycling of batteries (lead and cadmium-containing batteries); and Number D009). b Implement a national, uniform system for labeling batteries. Thermal Batteries: Thermal batteries are considered a RCRA-regulated hazardous waste due to the characteristic of toxicity (chromium, EPA Hazardous Waste Number 0007). Regulatory Exemptions for a comment period. At the conclusion of the com- RCRA either reduces the regulatory requirements or ment period, the EPA will review the comments reexempts certain spent solid wastes from regulation ceived and publish a final rule promulgating the if the materials are recycled by use, reuse, or reclaimplementing regulations. mation. In regards to batteries, the following batteries or recycling methods are exempt: 0 Spent lead-acid batteries that are being reclaimed; 0 Batteries from which precious metals are reclaimed (silver, under the Precious Metals Program); 0 Used batteries returned to the manufacturer for regeneration; or 0 Batteries managed as universal waste. The EPA has promulgated universal waste rules designed to reduce the regulatory burden and encourage recycling of certain common wastes. These regu- According to the RCRA Hotline, the EPA not has codified any regulations pertaining to the above law, nor is there any estimatedate as to when they will. The typical approach is for the EPA to publish a proposed rule regarding implementing regulations and allow Battery Recycling Companies Many batteries can be recycled rather than disposed of as either a solid or hazardous waste. The following is a partial listing of battery recycling companies: 'b Mercury Refining Company (MERCO), (800) 833-3505. They accept mercury, silver, and carbon-zinc batteries for recycling. They also have agreements with battery recyclers who'can process ni-cad and lithium batteries. lations are codified in Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 273, "Standards for Universal Waste B Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation Management" and are applicable in only four states (Alaska, Hawaii, Iowa, and Wyoming). Currently, this regulation applies to all types of batteries, except (RBRC), (540) 720-9225. They have a contract with the International Metals Reclamation Company Incorporated to recycle ni-cad batteries. lead-acid batteries. Lead-acid batteries are typically managed under Title 40 Code of Federal regulations B Battery Conservation Technologies, Incorpo- Part 266, Subpart G, "Spent Lead-Add Batteries rated, (915) 447-3272. They will recycle alka- Being Reclaimed." line, carbon-zinc,mercury, silver, ni-cad, and lead-acid batteries. Further, under EPA Universal Waste regulations, each state can develop its own listing (and associated regulations) for the management of universal wastes. Coordination with your state regulatory agency is recommended to determine specific disposition and disposal requirements. Additional in-... -. Page 4 of 6
Sound Management Practices General Battery Storage Requirements PRO-ACT suggests coordinating with the following Batteries require gome cgre to ensure proper and installation organizations prior to disposing or rev- safe storage. The followinig suggestions are offered: cling used batteries: e4 Batteries require cool. well ventilated, dry stor- \ The installation Envirnnmenta! Management Ofage areas. fice to ensure conformance with environmental E3 Tempe:z!ures should not exceed 130 degrees regulations; Fahrenheit. B The installation Transportation Office to ensure ~ Protect batteries against being damaged, conformance with transportation regulations; crushed, punctured, or short-circuited. B The servicing DRMO to ensure conformance with ~ Do not smoke or eat in battery storage Do0 polices; e31 Store batteries separately from other hazardous B The base Safety and Bioenvironmental Engineermaterial. ing offices to ensure proper personal protective equipment is available for safe handling; and, Definitions The following definitions will assist you in understanding battery terminology and making proper waste determinations: Anode: The terminal of a battery or cell that releases electrons during the production of any external current; the negative terminal of a primary cell or battery. Battery: Technically, a combination of two or more cells electrically connected to transform chemical energy into electrical energy. In everyday usage, a single cell such as the one found in a flashlight is also referred to as a battery. Non-Rechargeable: A characteristic of a primary battery that can convert chemical energy into electrical energy irreversibly. Primary Battery: One that can convert chemical energy into electrical energy irreversibly. Rechargeable: A characteristic of a storage battery that can convert chemical energy into electrical energy and vice versa. Cathode: The terminal of a battery or cell that accepts electrons during the production of an electric current; the positive terminal of a primary cell or battery. Cell: A device, which generates electricity, consisting of two different suhstances placed in an electrolyte. Secondary ba#ery: One that can convert chemical energy into electrical energy and vice versa. Serviceable Battery: One that can be used for its originally intended purpose. Storage battery: Same as secondary battery. Dry Cell: A cell, in which the electrolyte exists in a paste and is absorbed in a porous medium, or is otherwise restrained from flowing. Electrolyte: The conducting medium for the flow of current in a cell. Unserviceable Battery: One that is in such a condition or state that it cannot be used for its originally intended purpose. Wet Cell: A cell whose electrolyte is in liquid form and free to flow. Page 5 of 6
References I. Battery Disposition and Disposal, Headquarters, Department of the Army, Technical Bulletin TB; 43-0134, 1 October 1995. 2. Environmental Compliance for the DRMS Hazardous Property Program, Chapter 21, Batteries, Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service, DRMS-M 6050, October 1996. 3. Environmental Compliance for the DRMS Hazardous Property Program, Chapter 32, Universal Waste Management Standards, Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service, DRMS-M 6050, October 1996. 4. Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act, Public Law 104-142, 13 May 1996. The AFCEE Team - Recognized as a customer-oriented leader and the preferred provider of environmental, planning, design, and construction services. Fact Sheet TI 13300- JULY 1997 Needmore information? CON PRO-ACT DSN 240-4214 (800) 233-4356 http:nwww.afcee.brooks.af.mil/f RO-ACT Page 6 of 6 Pnnted on Rccyclcd Papcr