ECAR Fact Sheet for Iowa
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

If handled improperly, lead-acid batteries removed from vehicles pose certain hazards. Battery components are toxic and corrosive, and can also be a fire and explosion hazard. Lead and sulfuric acid can contaminate the air, soil and water. Direct contact with sulfuric acid can burn the skin and eyes. Exposure to lead in the environment can pose a serious health hazard to children. Lead is also very toxic to aquatic life.

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 Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC) has prepared a guidance document to help the automotive industry manage lead-acid batteries. Much of that information is included in the fact sheet below. You can access the link to IWRC’s Vehicle Maintenance Pollution Prevention Guide under Other Relevant Resources.

Regulations

In Iowa, manufacturers and others who are in the “stream of commerce” are responsible for the collection, transport and recycling of lead-acid batteries. 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.

Used Battery Recycling. Used lead-acid batteries are exempt from most hazardous waste regulations if they are recycled, but the waste generator is still responsible for contamination caused by batteries transported off site as well as stored on site. Batteries should be stored safely, and only reputable recyclers should be used. Keep receipts for batteries picked up, and be familiar with the final destination of the batteries to ensure that they are being recycled by an EPA-permitted company.

Battery Storage.  Indoor storage on an acid-resistant rack or tub is preferable. Batteries stored outdoors should be stored on an impermeable surface such as concrete with secondary containment, and sheltered from rain to prevent acid run off. Other recommended storage methods include:

• Keeping a neutralizing agent such as baking soda near in case of a spill.
• Not stacking batteries since that may cause them to fall and crack.
• Storing batteries and battery acid away from flammable liquids, ignition sources and drains.

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.

Battery Disposal.  Land disposal of lead acid-batteries is prohibited. Take lead-acid batteries to permitted collection and recycling sites.

Persons Selling Lead-Acid Batteries. If you sell lead-acid batteries at retail, you shall do the following:

• Accept used lead-acid batteries from customers who purchase new lead-acid batteries, at the point of sale.
• Post written notice that land disposal of lead-acid batteries is prohibited and that state law requires the retailer to accept lead-acid batteries for recycling when new lead-acid batteries are purchased. Retailers may request a sign from the Iowa DNR that contains the information they are required to post.

If you sell lead-acid batteries at wholesale, you shall accept used lead-acid batteries from retailers who purchase new lead-acid batteries for resale to consumers, or from wholesale customers.

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.

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

Iowa Lead-Acid Battery Management Requirements

Self-Audit Checklist

When an inspector comes to your facility, there are certain things he or she checks to see if you are in compliance with environmental regulations. It makes good sense for you to perform a "self-audit" and catch and correct problems before they result in penalties. Also, there are some compliance incentives associated with self-audits (see Audit Policy Page).

Use the following list to audit your battery storage and management procedures.

1. Are lead-acid batteries being stored properly? Batteries should be stored safely, indoors if possible.
2. Are lead-acid batteries being disposed of properly?  Use only reputable recyclers. Keep receipts for batteries picked up, and be familiar with the final destination of the batteries to ensure that they are being recycled by an EPA-permitted company.

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.

• Store batteries on an acid-resistant surface -- indoors if possible, and away from flammable liquids, ignition sources and drains.
• Avoid stacking batteries.
• Recycle batteries through a reputable company.
• Recycle used batteries through a reputable recycler.
• Store batteries on an impermeable surface with secondary containment.
• Keep a neutralizing agent, such as baking soda, nearby in case of leaks or spills. If a spill does occur, the waste must be treated as a hazardous waste.
• Check batteries for leaks, cracks, etc. prior to storing.

Contacts

1. For more information, contact the Region 7 Environmental Protection Agency at 913-551-7020, or the Iowa Department of Natural Resources at 515-281-8941.
2. To report a spill or leak, call the Iowa hotline at 515-281-8694 as soon as possible but not later than 6 hours after the onset or discovery of the spill or leak.  If the release involves EPA-regulated material and the amount released is above EPA reportable quantities, it must also be reported to the National Response Center at 800-424-8802 within 15 minutes.
3. To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the Iowa DNR.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

1. Hazardous Waste

Other Relevant Resources

1. Automotive Products Disposal Directory
2. IWRC’s Vehicle Maintenance Pollution Prevention Guide

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