Batteries

Most batteries designate as dangerous waste, but if properly managed, businesses can recycle batteries under one of these options:

Universal waste standards: Applies to all batteries.
Lead-acid battery exclusion: Applies to lead-acid batteries only.

Businesses must ensure that they:

Properly store batteries. Batteries stored unsafely can start a fire (such as lithium-ion batteries) or leak chemicals (mercury, lead, cadmium, lithium, or sulfuric acid).
Never put batteries in the trash.
Dispose of batteries correctly. Use a facility equipped for battery recycling.

If a business chooses not to manage batteries as universal waste or under the lead-acid battery exclusion, they must designate and manage them according to the Dangerous Waste Regulations (Chapter 173-303 WAC).

Not a business?

If you are a household or individual, do not put batteries in curbside recycling bins or trash. Find a household hazardous waste site, Call2Recycle, or 1-800-Recycle.

I want to...

How to manage batteries as universal waste

Universal Waste Batteries label. Click to enlarge. — Print or make your own universal waste label.

To manage batteries as universal waste:

Store them in containers compatible with battery waste. Keep closed if the batteries show evidence of leaks, spills, or damage that could cause the battery to leak.
Label containers as: "Universal Waste—Battery(ies)" or "Waste Battery(ies)" or "Used Battery(ies)."
Track accumulation time by marking containers or through shipment records. Universal waste has a one-year time limit for on-site accumulation.
Determine your handler category. Large quantity universal waste handlers are subject to additional rules.
Recycle. Universal waste handlers are prohibited from disposing of universal waste.

ALL batteries can be managed as universal waste. There are no size or battery chemistry limitations.

Alkaline and alkaline-manganese dioxide.
Lead-acid.
Lithium-ion batteries (such as electric vehicle (EV) batteries).
Lithium-metal.
Mercury (mercuric oxide, mercury cell, button cell, Ruben-Mallory).
Nickel-cadmium.
Silver oxide (often small, button type batteries).
Zinc (zinc-carbon, -ion, -air, nickel zinc).
All other types of batteries that are otherwise dangerous waste.

How to manage batteries under the lead-acid battery exclusion

If you reclaim or regenerate spent lead-acid batteries, you can manage them under the lead-acid battery waste exclusion (WAC 173-303-520). The exclusion requires that you:

Recycle your lead-acid batteries.
Store them properly on-site.
Meet all other requirements noted in the exclusion.

Battery storage tips

Follow these recommended best management practices to improve workplace safety:

Separate batteries by type. Some recyclers will not accept containers of mixed waste batteries.
Don’t mix used with new batteries. This may result in more waste generation.
Don’t attempt to recharge a battery unless it’s marked as rechargeable. This could cause damage or rupturing.

Tips for lithium-based battery storage

Cover the terminals of waste lithium batteries or place them in separate plastic bags to reduce the potential for fires.
Store lithium batteries in a dry environment, away from heat sources and direct sunlight.

Learn more about how to safely store, manage, and handle lithium-ion batteries.

Frequently asked questions

The definition of a "battery" is a device that consists of one or more electrically-connected electrochemical cells designed to receive, store, and deliver electric energy. An electrochemical cell is a system consisting of an anode, cathode, and an electrolyte, plus such connections (electrical and mechanical) as may be needed to allow the cell to deliver or receive electrical energy. The term battery also includes an intact, unbroken battery from which the electrolyte has been removed.

Businesses may remove batteries from consumer products without a permit. See Standards for Universal Waste management (WAC 173-303-573(9)(ii)(F)).

Consumer products with difficult-to-remove batteries may be managed as:

Universal waste
OR
Electronic waste (such as laptops, wireless keyboards, and tablets).

If a consumer product has a non-removeable battery AND contains other dangerous waste, you must designate the entire unit. For example: Nicotine vape devices with non-removeable batteries must be managed as dangerous waste since nicotine carries a listed waste code, P075 (acute hazardous waste).

The benefits to managing your batteries as universal waste is that your battery waste:

Does not count toward your generator category but must be counted towards universal waste handler limits to determine if you’re a large quantity handler.
Does not need a manifest for off-site shipment but you must document shipment on a shipping paper.
May not need to be reported on your Dangerous Waste Report.
Can be shipped off-site by businesses that do not have an EPA/State Identification (ID) Number.
Can be self-transported to an appropriate receiving facility.

The benefits to managing your batteries under the lead-acid battery exclusion include:

Does not count toward your generator category.
Does not need a manifest for off-site shipment.
May not need to be reported on your Dangerous Waste Report.
Can be shipped off-site by businesses that do not have an EPA/State Identification (ID) Number.
Can be self-transported to an appropriate receiving facility.
Does not need to be labeled.
Does not have accumulation time limits.

Contact information

Need help?
Contact a dangerous waste inspector in your region.