ECAR Fact Sheet for Arkansas
Air Bag Cartridges

Regulations
Self-Audit Checklist
Best Management Practices
Contacts
Related ECAR Fact Sheets
Other Relevant Resources

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The following fact sheet was prepared by the ECAR Center staff. Once prepared, each ECAR Center fact sheet undergoes a review process with the applicable state environmental agency(ies). You can check on the status of the review process here. Please read the disclaimer on the status page. While we have tried to present a summary of the essential information on this topic, you should be aware that other items, such as local regulations, may apply to you.

What You Need to Know

In the past few years, air bag units have presented a new problem for salvage facilities. The units, whether made of plastic, vinyl or metal, contain a propellant called sodium azide, a hazardous substance, which is dangerous if inhaled and may burn exposed skin. Contaminated fluff requires costly handling and disposal methods. 

Regulations

Air bag cartridges that have not been deployed are hazardous waste unless they are reclaimed. If they are reclaimed, they are not hazardous waste.

Store non-deployed air bag units indoors, protected from the weather until they can be resold or disposed of properly. Non-deployed air bags are valuable, so do not deploy unless necessary.

If the air bags have been deployed, the material is no longer dangerous, and you will not have to take special precautions. Many vehicles now contain multiple air bags (side air bags, for example). Any non-deployed air bags must be removed from the vehicle.The following BMPs are recommended for the management and recycling of air bags:

• Leave deployed air bag units in vehicles since deployed air bags do not pose a risk to human health or the environment.
• Store non-deployed air bags indoors, protected from the weather until they can be resold.
• If you send air bags, have retained shipping papers that indicate the name of the declaimer, the date of transfer, and the quantity of air bags/cartridges shipped.
• If you deploy the air bags, follow these recommendations:

• Disconnect cables from the vehicle's battery.
• Wait 20 minutes for the unit's internal battery to discharge completely.
• Deploy air bags remotely using the jumper harness/wiring system by using the manufacturer's recommended method.
• Do not deploy air bag units using methods that do not meet industry approval.

Contacts

1. For more information, Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), Hazardous Waste Division at 501-682-0833.
2. Report any spill of used oil or fuel that discharges to a water body, or any spill over 25 gallons, to the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802 and the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management at 1-800-322-4012
3. To report an environmental incident or complaint, call 800-327-8411 or 800-EARTH-11.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

1. Hazardous Waste

Other Relevant Resources

1. Environmental Compliance Guidebook for Arkansas Automotive Dismantlers & Recyclers
2. Hazardous and Solid Waste Fact Sheets

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