ECAR Fact Sheet for Maine
Batteries

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

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:

• 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 Maine Department of Environmental Protection (ME DEP) Small Business Assistance Program 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

Used lead-acid batteries are generated from normal servicing on vehicles. They contain both lead and sulfuric acid. Intact batteries (those not cracked or leaking) may be returned to battery distributors in connection with new battery purchases. Don't unnecessarily store used lead acid batteries.

Cracked or leaking lead-acid batteries are considered hazardous waste and require appropriate handling. Prevent this waste handling cost by properly storing your batteries to maintain them intact.

Lead-acid batteries should be managed through the battery deposit system or if leaking or not intact they should be treated as a regular hazardous waste. Whenever possible, return your batteries for recycling as soon as possible.

Battery Storage. Provide a secure location (preferably with containment) for batteries that accumulate on site and protect them from freezing, which can cause breakage. Store batteries upright, under cover, and on an impermeable bermed surface/container in order to detect and contain leaks. Avoid stacking to prevent damage from falling.

Disposal. Cracked and leaking (non-intact) batteries require disposal as hazardous waste because of the liquid sulfuric acid and lead content. This may be a preventable expense if used batteries are properly stored in a secure location until they are taken for recycling. These batteries cannot be burned or disposed of as solid waste. Choose a licensed battery recycler.

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.

Maine's Hazardous Waste Management Requirements

Federal EPA Standards Applicable to Generators of Hazardous Waste

Self-Audit Checklist

When an inspector comes to your facility, there are certain things they check 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 business generate used batteries from motor vehicle servicing? If yes, return your batteries for recycling as soon as possible. Provide a secure location for batteries that accumulate on site and protect them from freezing, which can cause breakage. Store batteries upright, under cover, and on an impermeable bermed surface/container. Cracked and leaking batteries require disposal as hazardous waste. This may be a preventable expense if used batteries are properly stored in a secure location until they are taken for recycling. These batteries cannot be burned or disposed of as solid waste.

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.

• Whenever possible return your batteries for recycling as soon as possible.
• Provide a secure location (preferably with containment) for batteries that accumulate on site and protect them from freezing, which can cause breakage.
• Store batteries upright, under cover, and on an impermeable bermed surface/container in order to detect and contain leaks. Avoid stacking to prevent damage from falling.
• Cracked and leaking (non-intact) batteries require disposal as hazardous waste because of the liquid sulfuric acid and lead content. This may be a preventable expense if used batteries are properly stored in a secure location until they are taken for recycling. These batteries can not be burned or disposed of as solid waste.
• Choose a licensed battery recycler.

Contacts

1. For more information, contact the ME DEP, Office of Remediation and Waste Management at 207-287-2651.

2. To report a spill or leak of hazardous waste, call the ME DEP 24-hour hotline at 800-452-4664. To report an oil spill, call the 24-hour hotline at 800-482-0777. For more detailed spill response procedures, access the ME DEP's Emergency and Spill Response website.

3. To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the nearest regional office.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

1. Hazardous Waste

Other Relevant Resources

1. Certification of Removal of Fluids, Batteries and Switches
2. Maine's Handbook for Hazardous Waste Generators

3. Maine's Motor Vehicle Recycling Website

BACK to VIRTUAL TOUR