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Disposal Information
The following batteries are subject to special disposal requirements:- Nickel-cadmium
- Small sealed lead acid
- Mercury oxide
- Large lithium(over 9 volts)
- Silver oxide batteries
- Lead-acid (auto) batteries
All of the above batteries (except lead-acid) must either be managed as a hazardous waste or recycled as prescribed by
Federal Universal Waste Rules (40CFR 273).
Minnesota Statutes §115A.915 prohibits disposal of waste lead-acid batteries with solid waste.
Rechargeable batteries have their own disposal restrictions. Minnesota Statutes §115A.9157
prohibits the disposal of all rechargeable batteries with solid waste,
unless granted an exemption. (Such exemptions have been granted for
rechargeable alkaline, lithium ion and nickel metal hydride batteries).
This prohibition includes rechargeable battery packs and any device
containing rechargeable batteries or battery packs.
Alkaline
Alkaline batteries (with no added mercury) are non-hazardous. These
batteries may generally be disposed with your regular garbage; confirm
with your county environmental office.
Consider using rechargeable alkaline batteries as an alternative to
single-use alkaline batteries to reduce the number of waste batteries.
Carbon Zinc
Carbon Zinc batteries (with no added mercury), commonly labeled "general purpose," "heavy duty" or "classic," are non-hazardous. These batteries may generally be disposed with your regular garbage; confirm with your county environmental office.
Lead Acid Batteries
Lead acid (wet cell) batteries are those used in most motor vehicles. Because they contain toxic substances, it is illegal to dispose of lead acid batteries with your regular garbage. Minnesota Statutes §325E.1151 provides for proper disposal and recycling of lead acid batteries by stating: 1) a person who sells lead acid batteries at retail must accept up to five lead acid batteries from consumers and may not charge to receive the lead acid batteries; and 2) a person who purchases a lead acid battery must return a lead acid battery to the retailer or pay the retailer a $5 core charge. Some scrap metal processors also accept lead acid batteries for recycling.
Lithium
Any lithium (primary or non-rechargeable) battery (often labeled Li or
CR) larger than 9 volts, or a smaller battery that has not been fully
discharged, is considered a hazardous waste, unless test results show
the battery to be non-hazardous. Businesses that generate hazardous
lithium batteries must manage them as a hazardous waste unless managed
under the Federal Universal Waste Rules (40CFR 273).
See Hazardous Waste Brokers, Transporters and Disposal Facilities.
A small (9 volts or less), fully discharged lithium battery is
considered non-hazardous and non-recyclable. These batteries may
generally be disposed with your regular garbage. Confirm with your county environmental office.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) strongly recommends that
whenever possible, businesses completely use up lithium batteries prior
to discarding them. This practice will reduce the number of batteries
used and may render the batteries non-hazardous, resulting in reduced
disposal costs.
Lithium ion batteries (secondary or rechargeable) are non-hazardous and
recyclable. They are commonly used in laptop computers, cellular
phones, camcorders and lightweight portable electronic devices. The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) accepts lithium ion and pays for recycling. The generator pays for the shipping and container
costs. For more information, visit the RBRC web site or call (800) 822-8837.
Mercuric Oxide and Silver Oxide
Mercury and silver batteries are hazardous, recyclable and non-rechargeable. These batteries are typically button or coin shaped, although many silver batteries used for cameras and fencing are larger. Minnesota law prohibits the disposal of silver and mercury batteries with your regular garbage. Although Minnesota law has prohibited the sale of mercury batteries since February 1, 1992, mercury batteries are still in use. Contact your battery supplier or the battery manufacturer to inquire about available mercury and silver battery collection programs, or ship your mercury and silver batteries to a hazardous waste disposal or battery reclamation facility. See Mercury and Mercury-Containing Products, Silver Recovery Service and/or Hazardous Waste Brokers, Transporters and Disposal Facilities for disposal options.
Nickel Cadmium
Nickel-Cadmium batteries (labeled Ni-Cd) are recyclable and rechargeable and must be managed as a hazardous waste unless managed under the Federal Universal Waste Rules (40CFR 273). These batteries are commonly used in power tools, cordless phones and radios, etc. The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) accepts and covers recycling cost for nickel-cadmium batteries. The generator pays for shipping and container costs. For more information or drop-off locations for recycling a few rechargeable batteries, visit the RBRC web site or call (800) 822-8837.
Nickel Metal Hydride
Nickel Metal Hydride batteries (labeled NiMH) are non-hazardous, recyclable and rechargeable. They are commonly used in computers, cellular phones and camcorders. These batteries may generally be disposed with your regular garbage; confirm with your county environmental office. The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) accepts and covers recycling costs for rechargeable nickel metal hydride batteries. The generator pays for shipping and container costs. For more information or drop-off locations for recycling a few rechargeable batteries, visit the RBRC web site or call (800) 822-8837.
Sealed Lead Acid
Sealed Lead Acid (Labeled SLA) batteries are classified as universal waste, recyclable and rechargeable. They are commonly used in emergency power and camcorders. Contact your battery supplier for collection and recycling opportunities. Since the composition of SLA batteries is similar to motor vehicle batteries (lead acid batteries), lead acid battery retail outlets and transporters may accept your spent SLA batteries. The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) accepts sealed lead acid batteries (weighing less than 2 pounds) and covers recycling cost. The generator pays for the shipping and container cost. For more information or drop-off locations for recycling a few rechargeable batteries, visit the RBRC web site or call (800) 822-8837.For more information on managing spent batteries, call your county environmental office or the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) at (651) 296-6300.
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