Batteries not managed under one of the above must be designated and managed according to the Dangerous Waste Regulations.
Proper storage, recycling, and disposal of batteries is highly important. Ensure you take batteries to a recycling facility equipped for battery recycling. Never put them in the trash. Batteries thrown in the trash or stored unsafely can:
Leak chemicals (mercury, lead, cadmium, lithium, or sulfuric acid).
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 or recycling drop-off location through Call2Recycle.
Store batteries in a container 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.
Recycle. Universal waste handlers are prohibited from disposing of universal waste.
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 best management practices to improve workplace safety. These are not requirements, but recommended:
Segregate batteries by type. Some recyclers will not accept containers of mixed waste batteries.
Don’t mix used batteries 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.
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.
Lithium-ion battery safety and management
Due to their compact and energy dense design, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries can cause fires or explosions if defective or damaged. Businesses may recycle lithium-ion batteries as universal waste, but proper storage and disposal is critical:
Never throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or curbside recycling. They are likely to be crushed by heavy equipment or other materials which can cause a fire.
Dispose of lithium-ion batteries at a recycling facility equipped for lithium-ion battery recycling.
If not managed as universal waste, used lithium-ion batteries designate as ignitable (D001) and reactive (D003) dangerous waste.
Read our Memo on Lithium-Ion Battery Management for more information and contact your local Fire Code Official to learn about fire code requirements for 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.
Used batteries are solid waste at the point of generation.
For example, when the battery:
Becomes a spent material (i.e., the battery has been used and as a result of contamination can no longer serve the purpose for which it was produced without processing).
Has reached end-of-life (i.e., the battery will no longer be used for its intended purpose).
No. Some used batteries still have energy capacity and may be used or reused in other applications. Batteries that are used or reused in commercial products are not considered solid waste. SeeRecycling processes involving solid waste (WAC 173-303-017(2)(a)(ii)).
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.