ECAR Fact Sheet for Massachusetts
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.

Regulations

In Massachusetts, a waste ban is in place on the disposal and transfer for disposal of lead-acid batteries at landfills and combustion facilities.

If you receive spent-lead acid batteries and recycle them on-site for lead value, you must comply with applicable hazardous waste regulations.

If you do not intend to reclaim the lead from the batteries, and if the electrolyte is safely in the batteries, the hazardous waste regulations do not apply to the generation, accumulation, storage, collection or transport of spent lead-acid batteries.

Battery Storage. Always store lead-acid batteries in a secured, covered location that is designed to contain leaks and temperature extremes. Keep batteries away from open flames or other ignitable sources. Do not stack lead acid batteries since they may crack and leak acid and other hazardous components, thereby incurring a potential expensive cleanup. Keep batteries off the ground to prevent them from coming in contact with water, which may result in contaminated runoff into creeks and streams. Do not store batteries around inside floor drains or outside storm 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.

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.

If battery leaks, neutralize any spilled acid with baking soda or calcium carbonate (lime). Flush area with water.

Battery Retailers. Most automotive battery retailers will accept used batteries when purchasing a new one.

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

Massachusetts Hazardous Waste 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. Does your facility intend to reclaim the lead from the batteries? If you do not intend to reclaim the lead from the batteries, and if the electrolyte is safely in the batteries, the hazardous waste regulations do not apply to the generation, accumulation, storage, collection or transport of spent lead-acid batteries. If you do intend to reclaim the lead, you must comply with all applicable hazardous waste requirements.
2. Manage releases according to specific procedures. Verify that all releases of waste battery residues are immediately contained. If battery leaks, neutralize any spilled acid with baking soda or calcium carbonate (lime). Flush area with water. Verify that if the material is hazardous waste, it is handled appropriately in accordance with all applicable requirements.
3. Are employees who handle or have responsibility for managing wastes trained? Ensure that all employees have been trained in the proper handling and emergency response procedures relative to their responsibilities during normal facility operations and emergencies.

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.

1. Handle batteries with acid resistant or leather gloves.
2. Keep sparks and flames away from batteries and don't smoke nearby.
3. Never place metal objects on top of the battery because it can cause sparks. Remove rings, chains, and other metallic items before handling.
4. Keep batteries right side up.
5. Carry in a non-metallic, leak proof container.
6. If battery leaks, neutralize any spilled acid with baking soda or calcium carbonate (lime). Flush area with water.
7. If acid comes in contact with skin, flush area with water immediately and seek medical attention, if burning continues.
8. 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.
9. When stacking batteries, make sure they are stored so that any fluid from leaking batteries will not be released into the environment.
10. Electrolyte fluid in spent batteries contains enough lead to qualify it as a hazardous waste. This fluid, if discharged onto the ground, will likely make the soil which absorbs it a hazardous waste. Remove batteries before crushing any vehicles.
11. Check batteries for leaks, cracks, etc. prior to storing.
12. Place cracked or leaking batteries in a closed, watertight, acid resistant storage container.

Contacts

1. For more information, contact the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection at
   617-338-2255 or 800-462-0444, or contact the DEP Regional Service Center near you.
2. To report a spill or leak, call the 24-Hour DEP Emergency Response hotline at 617-556-1133 or
   888-304-1133.
3. To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the Environmental Strike Force at 617-556-1000 or 888-VIOLATE (1-888-846-5283).

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

1. Hazardous Waste

Other Relevant Resources

1. Massachusetts - Recycling Lead-Acid/Automotive Batteries
2. Massachusetts Lead-Acid Battery Recycling Directory

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