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ECAR
Fact Sheet for Massachusetts
Regulations BACK to VIRTUAL TOUR 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:
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 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.
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.
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