Batteries

ECAR Fact Sheet for Delaware
Batteries

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

Because batteries contain lead and sulfuric acid, lead-acid battery disposal is fully regulated as a hazardous waste management activity. When intact lead-acid batteries are recycled, the handling requirements are relaxed, but the batteries are still subject to limited hazardous waste regulations. This fact sheet will tell you:

How to determine whether spent batteries should be considered a hazardous waste.
What you need to do to handle batteries in compliance with the rules that apply to you.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has prepared a guidance document to help auto recyclers manage lead-acid batteries. Much of the information is included in the fact sheet below. You can access the guidance for lead-acid batteries under "Other Relevant Resources."

Regulations

Automotive recyclers who generate, collect, transport, store, or regenerate lead-acid batteries for reclamation purposes may be exempt from certain hazardous waste management requirements. The basic rule of thumb is that the batteries must be either reclaimed either through regeneration or another means. If the batteries are not reclaimed, you must follow the hazardous waste regulations.

Reusing Batteries. Test the batteries to determine whether battery should be reused or sent to disposal facility. Remove lead cable ends from usable batteries and store the cable ends in a covered container that is strong enough to hold the excessive weight of the lead.

Scrap Batteries. Leave lead battery cable ends attached to scrap batteries for disposal.

Battery Storage.

Place cracked or leaking batteries immediately in a closed, leak-proof storage container or on a curbed, coated or lined concrete surface with spill controls, including drip-pans and lime or baking soda.
Store batteries indoors, in either a closed, leak-proof container or on a curbed, coated or lined, concrete surface with spill controls, including drip-pans and lime or baking soda.
If stored outdoors, the storage area should be covered to keep rainwater from collecting and to prevent contaminated run-off from occurring due to rain or snow.
Store batteries on a "non-reactive" surface. This kind of surface may include fiberglass or plastic "battery boxes," a covered wooden frame lined with heavy polypropylene plastic, or polypropylene cement-mixing tubs.
Store batteries in an upright position to prevent leaks from vent holes.
Stack batteries no more than five high.
Inspect all batteries, storage containers and cover materials weekly for leaks, cracks or tears. Storage containers or materials that have been exposed to freezing temperatures should be checked more often.
Manage all spilled materials and absorbents as a hazardous waste.
Storing and charging batteries in one place decreases the chance of spills and leaks throughout the yard and helps you control inventory.
Do not store batteries in vehicles, over fill storage containers, nor accumulate batteries for a long period of time.

Improper storage practices can result in potential violations to the Federal Clean Water Act, as well as violations of state and local water quality laws.

Disposal. You cannot dispose of lead-acid batteries in landfills, nor incinerate them. You may only send lead-acid batteries to a lead-acid battery retailer or wholesaler, a permitted secondary lead smelter, or a collection or recycling facility authorized by the federal Environmental Protection Agency or the state.

You should transport spent batteries to battery retailers on a monthly basis. Battery handlers should arrange for shipping at least once every six months, depending on the volume accumulated.

Response to Releases. Should your batteries leak onto the ground, you must immediately contain all releases and determine whether any material resulting from the release is hazardous waste. If so, you must manage the hazardous waste in compliance with all applicable laws. Here are some tips to prevent releases:

Avoid stockpiling spent lead-acid batteries.
Store batteries upright to protect against acid leaks through vent holes.
Inspect batteries weekly for cracks or leaks. Keep a log of your inspections. If batteries have been exposed to freezing temperatures, inspect them more often.
Place cracked or leaking batteries in an acid-resistant, leak-proof container such as a sturdy plastic tote.

Links to the Regulations. Use the following links to view the regulations pertaining to battery management.

Delaware's Hazardous Waste Management Requirements

Self-Audit Checklist

All battery handlers are required to manage the batteries and other solid waste generated from battery activities according to specific parameters and procedures. Place cracked or leaking batteries immediately in a closed, leak-proof storage container or on a curbed, coated or lined concrete surface with spill controls. Store batteries indoors, in either a closed, leak-proof container or on a curbed, coated or lined, concrete surface with spill controls, including drip-pans and lime or baking soda. If stored outdoors, the storage area should be covered to keep rainwater from collecting and to prevent contaminated run-off from occurring due to rain or snow. Store batteries on a "non-reactive" surface. Store batteries in an upright position to prevent leaks from vent holes. Stack batteries no more than five high. Inspect all batteries, storage containers and cover materials weekly for leaks, cracks or tears. Manage all spilled materials and absorbents as a hazardous waste. Do not store batteries in vehicles, over fill storage containers, nor accumulate batteries for a long period of time.

Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Most regulations tell you what you have to do to be in compliance, but they don't explain how to do it. That's where "best management practices" come into play. BMPs are proven methods that help you to get into compliance and stay there. The following BMPs are recommended for battery storage areas and management procedures.

It is preferable that you store the batteries inside a well-ventilated area, on pallets and in an organized manner.
Neutralize small spills with common baking soda, lime or cement. Wear eye protection and gloves. Contain the spill and manage it as hazardous waste.
Use a wooden frame lined with heavy polypropylene or a small plastic swimming pool to store batteries. Check frequently for cracks or tears.
If batteries are stored over asphalt or concrete, coat these surfaces with acid-resistant epoxy, fiberglass, plastic coating, or a polypropylene liner.
Store leaking or cracked batteries in sealed, five-gallon plastic pails.
Store batteries in an upright position to prevent leakage from vent holes.
Do not stack batteries more than three high.
When transporting lead-acid batteries, they should be loaded to prevent them from short-circuiting, becoming damaged or leaking acid.
Accumulate as few lead-acid batteries as possible.
Ensure that you send your lead-acid batteries to permitted recyclers, brokers or other allowable facilities.
Before you start collecting lead-acid batteries, arrange and know where they will be ultimately sent.
Make sure you are in compliance will all local and fire department laws, as they may have restrictions on battery storage.
Never drain the acid from the battery.
Ensure that your employees are trained how to handle lead-acid batteries, specifically leaking batteries.
Always use eye protection and gloves when handling lead-acid batteries.
Always wash your hands after handling lead-acid batteries.

Contacts

For more information, contact the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), Division of Air and Waste Management, Hazardous Waste Program at 302-739-3689.
To report an emergency spill or leak, call the DNREC 24-hour Release Reporting Hotline at 800-662-8802, or 302-739-5072 (business hours), or the National Response Center at 800-424-8802. Releases by transporters must be reported by calling the 24-hour hotline at 800-662-8802, or the DNREC at 302-739-3689 or 302-739-4580.
To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the nearest regional office, or call the Toll-Free 24-Hour Environmental Complaint Line.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

Hazardous Waste

Other Relevant Resources